Election-related Activities

Tomorrow is Primary Day and we’re kicking off a three-part blog series focused on the theme How 501c3 Nonprofits Can Engage in Elections. Today we’re highlighting the role of nonprofits in getting out the vote (GOTV), part 2 will cover Voter and Candidate Education, and part 3 will dig into Issue Advocacy. Why Should Nonprofits […]

While 501(c)(3) nonprofits are prohibited from supporting or opposing candidates for public office, that does not mean they have to stay out of elections all together. Nonprofits can engage in issue education and Get Out the Vote initiatives. This year is an especially important year for nonprofits to foster civic engagement and raise awareness about […]

Well, the time is here. If you haven’t taken advantage of Maine’s incredibly accessible early vote options, TOMORROW is the day you GET OUT YOUR VOTE! All across Maine and the country, voters will head to the polls and cast their ballots. It is critical that nonprofit employees, board members and volunteers turn out. Elected […]

In case you forgot, Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day. With all the talk about 2016 and the seemingly endless presidential candidate news, it could be easy to overlook this “off-year” election. In fact, too many Mainers do just that. Secretary of State Matt Dunlap predicted that turnout this November could be as low as […]

Election season can be a time of heightened awareness of the issues your nonprofit works to improve everyday. How can nonprofits, who risk losing their exempt status if they cross the line into partisan politics, respond to proposals or statements without appearing to influence the upcoming election in any way? The Governor, one of our US Senators, both US […]