On this episode, we discuss the unprecedented election-year challenges we face and the ways all nonprofits can help ensure a safe election. As trusted messengers, nonprofits can explain voting options and deadlines; encourage absentee voting and a new generation of poll workers; conduct election protection programs; support and join litigation and even facilitate voting and promote increased voter turnout. 

This is a repodcast of the first part of our three-part series from 2020. 

Our attorneys for this episode    

Leslie Barnes  

Tim Mooney  

Quyen Tu  

 

Shownotes 

• Election-year challenges 

• Dangers for in-person voting 
• Massive poll worker shortage 
• Monumental increase in voting by mail 

• Predictions for contested elections/delayed results 
• Defunding the United States Postal Service 
• Interference in the election by foreign and domestic actors 

• Reminder - 501(c)(3) organizations must remain nonpartisan  
• When We All Vote Video – Voter Registration Drives 

• https://youtu.be/XNt-9v3HY30s 
• Created by a c3, When We all Vote 
• Shared by a c3, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund 
• Nonpartisan – no support or opposition for any candidate for elected office 

• Explains how schools can create and promote a voter registration drive  
• Explains how volunteers can share news of newly registered voters on social media 
• Safe for community foundations and c4s too! 
• Special rules exist for private foundations  
• Can’t buy votes. Don’t exchange anything of value for someone completing a voter registration form or voting. 

• Can spend money to facilitate voting – Examples  
• Must also follow state law regarding voter registration and drives 
• IRS permits targeting voter outreach for nonpartisan reasons  

• Fair Fight Action Video – Vote By Mail/Voter Education 

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFl6AYki1B8 

• Encourages Georgians to vote by mail to shorten lines for those who must vote in person and reduce risk for all 
•  
• Fair Fight Action is a 501(c)(4) and could engage in partisan activity as secondary activity 
• This video is a nonpartisan example of voter outreach/education – primary activity 
• Safe for c3s to share as well! 

 

• Houston Justice Coalition Post 

• Safe for c3s and c4s to share government messages 
• Nonprofits can volunteer their space for voting/polling centers 

• Best practices for 501(c)(3)s 

• Nothing can support or oppose candidates 
• Avoid mixing issue advocacy with voter registration/GOTV/voter education 
• No candidate pledges 
• Any interaction with candidates? Offer the same info to others running 

• Best practices for 501(c)(4)s 

• Can support or oppose candidates – track efforts – secondary activity 
• Be aware of state laws 
• Don’t coordinate efforts with federal (and usually) state candidates 
• Report independent efforts under campaign finance laws 

 

Resources 

Bolder Advocacy Election Activities Page 

Want to Conduct or Fund a Voter Registration Drive 

Election Protection Efforts Factsheet  

Election Year Activities for 501(c)(4)s 

How 501(c)(4)s Can Hold Elected Officials Accountable  

Partisan Electoral Activity: What is it and What Can You Do? 

 

Non Bolder Advocacy resources 

Guide on how to do a school or community voter registration drive: https://www.headcount.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Booklet_Final-1.pdf 

For college student looking for information on voting? Check: https://andrewgoodman.org/myvoteeverywhere/