Nonprofit Law Podcast #7: Publishing votes by your legislators

Publishing votes by your legislators

Download: Nonprofit Law Podcast #7 (mp3, 06:02)

Shownotes

Intro

Tim Mooney… Welcome to the Nonprofit Law Podcast
Your guide to the laws impacting nonprofits.
Shownotes…. nplawcast.com
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Voter scorecards
Now that many states have finished their legislative sessions, some nonprofits publish the results of votes on bills
There are some rules to follow, especially if your nonprofit is a publich charity 501(c)(3)
IRS treats this activity as potential election activity, so tread carefully
If your charity is a 501(c)(4) or a labor union, or trade association, these rules don't apply... you're largely free to publish in any way

Voter scorecards to the public
Just the facts... all vanilla
No editorializing allowed
Broad range of issues

Voter scorecards to members
Members are donors and people who have volunteered more than a nominal amount of time to the organization
Editorializing is allowed
Narrow range of issues important to the organization

Final note
These are the safe harbors... if you deviate from them as a 501(c)(3) you're in the murky "facts and circumstances" area

Resources


Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Voter Education Toolbox (pdf)

Closing

Email me with questions and suggested topics
AP audio & handbook on using the Internet, podcasting and social networking for your nonprofit coming later this summer
Need more than a podcast? Tim-Mooney.com
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This podcast provides general information about legal topics but it is not a complete discussion of all legal issues that arise in relation to nonprofits nor is it a substitute for legal advice. This podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. This is general legal information and the contributors make no warranties regarding the general legal information provided in this podcast , and disclaim liability for damages resulting from its use to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable law.