Get Out the Vote

Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts are one of the most impactful ways 501(c)(3) public charities can strengthen civic participation and help ensure communities have the tools and information they need to make their voices heard. From voter registration and education to reminders and access assistance, (c)(3) organizations can play an important role in helping people navigate the voting process while remaining nonpartisan. On this episode, we explore best practices for designing effective GOTV efforts, including how nonprofits can engage their communities, train staff and volunteers, and navigate election-related rules.

Attorneys for this Episode:

Monika Graham Natalie Ossenfort Victor Rivera

501(c)(3)s Must Remain Nonpartisan

Internal Revenue Code: 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in partisan political activity (activity on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office).

Keeping GOTV Efforts 501(c)(3) Safe Effective voter outreach for 501(c)(3)s is focused on expanding participation, not influencing who someone votes for. Therefore, (c)(3)s should refrain from using messages that support or oppose candidates, political parties, or groups of candidates. In addition, they should:

· Make voter outreach activities available to all eligible voters

· Ensure GOTV efforts are not coordinated with candidates or campaigns

· Avoid targeting communities because they belong to a particular political party, voted a particular way in the past, or because they vote in a district where the race is likely to be close

The IRS uses a facts and circumstances test when determining whether a 501(c)(3) has violated the rules against partisan electioneering.

Building a Strong GOTV Effort

· Start with your community. Use existing relationships and trusted communication channels to reach the people your organization serves. Connect with voters through tools and spaces they already use, such as text messages, social media, email newsletters, community events, and local partners.

· Plan ahead. Start by understanding your community's needs. Then, establish goals and timelines, create written policies and training materials, and train staff and volunteers on nonpartisan rules, including the difference between organizational activities and personal political activity.

· Build partnerships. Collaborate with community organizations, libraries, schools, faith-based organizations, and other trusted institutions to expand outreach and maximize impact. Just remember that if you are partnering with any organizations or entities that are not 501(c)(3)s, all of your collective work needs to remain nonpartisan.

· Track and evaluate your efforts. Document outreach activities and program decisions, assess what worked, and incorporate lessons learned to strengthen future GOTV efforts.

GOTV Activities 501(c)(3) Public