Nonprofit Law Podcast #15: Election season series - the basics

Election season series - the basics

Download: Nonprofit Law Podcast #15 (mp3, 8:44)

Shownotes

Intro

Tim Mooney… Welcome to the Nonprofit Law Podcast
Your guide to the laws impacting nonprofits.
Shownotes…. nplawcast.com
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Month long series on election activity

Focuses on public charities, other 501(c)s and 527s
Covering voter guides, debates & forums, renting mailing lists, ballot measures, and voter registration/GOTV
Why now? Many nonprofits are already planning 2008 and some are already engaged in it
Don't do any of these things? Still important to know in case something unexpected comes up

The basics

501(c)(3)s
Absolute prohibition on supporting or opposing candidates for public office
Nonpartisan work allowed (education, voter registration, GOTV, etc.)
Ballot measure work ok (lobbying) but follow state laws

Other 501(c)s
Secondary activity
Follow election laws (many prohibit express advocacy, almost all prohibit contributions)
Ballot measure work ok (lobbying) but follow state laws

527s
Organized to impact elections
Reporting requirements on state and federal level vary
Some register as political committees/PACs, others don't and are limited in what they can do (but this reduces reporting and accountability)

Resources

AFJ's Rules of the Game

Closing

Email me with questions and suggested topics
AP audio & handbook on using the Internet, podcasting and social networking for your nonprofit coming soon
Need more than a podcast? Tim-Mooney.com
nplawcast.com

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.