Rules of the Game: Individual Activity During Election Season

On today’s episode, we dive into rules surrounding partisan activities for employees of 501(c)(3) organizations. With the election just around the corner, we will give you some best practices for how to keep your 501(c)(3) safe from any partisan activity while you engage in electoral work as an individual.

Our Attorneys for This Episode

• Melissa Marichal Zayas
• Brittany Hacker
• Victor Rivera Labiosa

Episode Summary

Rules for 501(c)(3) organizations  

• Remain nonpartisan when acting on behalf of your 501(c)(3)

• Consider engaging in nonpartisan voter education and election protection activity

• Best practice: Internal election season policy

Individual rules for 501(c)(3) employees, board members, and volunteers 

• Make clear what hat you are wearing

• Avoid using org resources (email, printer, laptop, staff time)

• Watch your social media activity

Scenarios 

• Supporting others running for office

• Canvasing, phone banks, rallies

• Online activity and social media accounts

• Employees running for office

Resources

• Election Checklist for 501(c)(3) Public Charities: Ensuring Election Year Advocacy Efforts Remain Nonpartisan

• Practical Guidance: Nonprofit Voter Assistance series

• Sample 501(c)(3) Organizational Policy for Election Season

• Board Members and Election Year Activities

• 501(c)(3) Employees Running for Office
• Election Activities for Individuals Associated with 501(c)(3)s
• FAQ: Influencing Public Policy in the Digital Age