WHAT CAN CHURCHES AND PASTORS DO THIS ELECTION YEAR?
Political Activity
|
Church |
Pastor |
- Discuss the positions of candidates on issues
|
Yes |
Yes |
- Endorse or oppose candidates
|
No |
Yes |
- Financial contributions to candidates
|
No |
Yes |
- In-kind contributions to candidates
|
No |
Yes |
- Independent expenditures supporting or opposing candidates
|
No |
Yes |
- Contributions to political action committees (PACs)
|
No |
Yes |
- Payment of expenses for attendance at a caucus or state/national political party convention
|
No |
Yes |
- Appearance of candidate at church meeting or service
|
Yes |
N/A |
- Non-partisan voter registration activities
|
Yes |
Yes |
- Non-partisan voter identification activities
|
Yes |
Yes |
- Non-partisan get-out-the-vote activities
|
Yes |
Yes |
- Non-partisan voter education
|
Yes |
Yes |
- Lobbying for or against legislation
|
Yes |
Yes |
- Expenditures related to state referendums
|
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
|
a) Candidate surveys or voter guides |
Yes |
Yes |
b) Voting records of incumbents |
Yes |
Yes |
c) Candidate campaign literature |
|
Yes |
- Distribution by others of political materials in church parking lots
|
Yes |
N/A |
- Rental of church membership lists at regular rates
|
Yes |
N/A |
- Rental of church facilities at regular rates
|
Yes |
N/A |
|
|
|
a) Political ads at regular rates |
Yes |
N/A |
b) News stories about candidates or campaigns |
Yes |
N/A |
c) Editorials endorsing or opposing candidates |
No |
N/A |