Nonprofit Organizations Have a Role to Play in the Upcoming November Elections
By Ann Lehman, Zimmerman Lehman
Many of us Americans believe that the fate of this democracy hangs in the balance come November 2024. If we in the third sector are worried, we must plan now. Although 501(c)3 (nonprofit) organizations are prohibited from endorsing candidates directly, we can devise strategies to prepare for the election.
By being proactive, we can effectively leverage our resources to make a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. While nonprofits must remain impartial regarding candidates, we can, however,?engage in nonpartisan activities such as voter education, registration drives, and issue advocacy. This distinction is crucial and forms the cornerstone of any election-related strategy.
Nonprofits need to steer clear of anything that could remotely be interpreted as partisan. We should assess our capacities and identify areas where we can make the most significant impacts. Any group can and?should put up signs encouraging everyone to vote. And it's not just the presidential election; local elections are also critically important. A local community center may leverage its existing relationships with residents to host voter registration drives and informational sessions on key ballot initiatives. An environmental organization might develop educational materials highlighting the ecological stances of various candidates without endorsing any individual.
It is not too early; nonprofits can begin to craft their engagement strategy now. For instance, a youth empowerment nonprofit could organize a series of workshops on the importance of voting and how to navigate the voting process for young people, many of whom may be voting for the first time. A homeless shelter might collaborate with local artists to create visually appealing vote posters to distribute to clients, encouraging them to participate in the election process. A legal services office can make a "Vote in November" poster or hand out a "how to register to vote" pamphlet.
Promoting voter turnout and engagement can help ensure that many voices are heard in the democratic process. With strategic foresight and collaborative effort, nonprofits can help shape the election's outcome in a manner that reflects the values and priorities of our communities, fulfilling the goals in our mission statements. Nonprofits engaging in election-related activities can benefit from the guidance and support of organizations specializing in voter engagement, advocacy, and legal compliance. Here are some examples:
1.? ??Voter Registration Drives: Nonprofits often organize drives to help individuals register to vote, setting up registration booths at community events, college campuses, and other public places to make the process accessible to all.?Rock the Vote?is a nonprofit that engages young people in the political process. In the 2020 election cycle, Rock the Vote launched a nationwide campaign to encourage voter registration and turnout among young voters. As part of this campaign, Rock the Vote partnered with musicians, celebrities, and social media influencers to reach a broad audience of young people. They also developed online tools and resources to help young voters access absentee ballots and find polling locations. Through their efforts, Rock the Vote aimed to empower young voters to exercise their civic rights and participate in shaping the future of their communities.
2. The?League of Women Voters?is known for its extensive voter education and registration efforts. They've advocated for voter rights and civic engagement for over 100 years. In the lead-up to the 2020 U.S. presidential election, local chapters of the League organized numerous voter registration drives nationwide. League volunteers provided information on voter eligibility requirements, helped individuals complete voter registration forms, and answered questions about the voting process in a nonpartisan manner.
3.? ??Voter Education Workshops: Organizations like the NAACP and the ACLU often host educational events to empower voters with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the polls.
4.? ??Candidate Forums and Debates: Nonprofits can and should organize forums and debates to allow voters to learn about the candidates running for office and their positions on critical issues. These events enable candidates to present their platforms and engage with constituents in a neutral, nonpartisan setting. Local chambers of commerce, community centers, and nonprofit organizations often host candidate forums during election season to foster civic dialogue and voter engagement.
5.? ??Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) Campaigns: Nonprofits conduct campaigns to mobilize voters and encourage them to cast their ballots on Election Day. These efforts may involve phone banking, door-to-door canvassing, and targeted outreach efforts to remind voters of important election dates and motivate them to participate in the democratic process. Organizations like Nonprofit VOTE and the National Council of Nonprofits often lead GOTV initiatives to increase voter turnout and civic engagement.
6.? ??Ballot Information Guides: Nonprofits can produce and distribute voter guides to help voters understand the issues and candidates appearing on their ballots. They provide impartial information on ballot measures, candidate profiles, and endorsements from nonpartisan organizations. Organizations, such as CA VOTER FOUNDATION (CVF), produce comprehensive nonpartisan online voter guides,
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7.? ??Polling Place Assistance: Nonprofits help voters at polling places to ensure a smooth and accessible voting experience. This may include providing language assistance, transportation to polling locations, and voter protection services to help voters exercise their rights. Organizations like the Election Protection Coalition coordinate volunteers to monitor polling places and address issues or irregularities that may arise on Election Day.
These examples illustrate how nonprofits can and should engage in nonpartisan activities to promote voter participation and civic engagement without endorsing specific candidates or political parties and jeopardizing their nonprofit status. In addition, by leveraging the expertise and resources of these organizations, we enhance our capacity to engage our communities in the electoral process effectively. Collaboration and partnerships with these organizations strengthen efforts to promote voter participation and civic involvement.
By providing voters with valuable resources, information, and support, we can play a crucial role in strengthening democracy, even ensuring that democracy survives in the coming years. Now is the time to start!
Zimmerman Lehman's ZimNotes is a free E-newsletter, published monthly, with articles and information to help your nonprofit forge a better future and for human interest stories. To be added to the list,?subscribe here.
Nonprofit Voting Resources
1. NONPORIFT VOTE: Nonprofit VOTE is a national, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting voter participation among nonprofits and their constituents. They provide resources, training, and technical assistance to help nonprofits implement effective voter engagement strategies while staying compliant with relevant laws and regulations.
2. ROCK THE VOTE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging young people in the political process. They offer voter registration tools, educational resources, and advocacy campaigns to mobilize young voters. Nonprofits working with youth populations can partner with Rock the Vote to amplify their voter engagement efforts.
3. ALLIANCE FOR JUSTICE is an organization that provides legal advocacy and resources for nonprofits working on various issues, including advocacy and electoral engagement. They offer workshops, webinars, and publications on topics such as nonprofit advocacy rules, lobbying restrictions, and election-related activities.
4. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NONPROFITS provides resources and support to nonprofit organizations across the United States. During election seasons, the National Council of Nonprofits offers guidance on nonpartisan voter engagement activities and legal compliance. They publish informational materials and host webinars to help nonprofits understand the rules and regulations governing their involvement in voter registration, education, and mobilization efforts.?
5. CA VOTER FOUNDATION (CVF) produces a comprehensive nonpartisan online voter guide called "California Online Voter Guide." This guide provides California voters with impartial information on candidates, ballot measures, and election resources.