501(c)(3) organizations are, by definition, not allowed to “participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.”
The following guidelines apply to all masajid leaders, including board members, employees, and imams.
Leaders can support candidates in their individual capacity, but their statements MUST:
- Not be connected to their affiliated 501(c)(3).
- Convey that this is solely a personal view.
Masajid Leaders MAY:
- Raise awarness for ISSUES of concern, including:
o Educating members on candidates’ views on issues in a neutral manner without commentary.
o Educating all candidates about issues important to their members. - Publish information about legislators’ previous votes—MUST refer to a variety of major issues and be without comments or approval/disapproval.
- Organize impartial candidate appearances or debates, where all candidates have an equal opportunity to address members.
- Encourage individuals to vote, including through non-partisan registration drives or get-out-thevote efforts.
- Rent facilities or mailing lists to organizations or candidates as part of regular business; must allow any candidate to rent.
Masajid Leaders MAY NOT:
- Support or oppose a CANDIDATE for public office, including:
o Publishing or communicating materials that favor or oppose a candidate.
o Inviting or allowing a political candidate to make a campaign speech.
o Offering or restricting use of premises or resources to certain candidates.
o Vocally criticizing or supporting a particular candidate or incumbent. - Ask candidates to sign a pledge in support of an issue.
- Make campaign contributions, fund expenditures, or sponsor fundraising events for candidates or connected political organizations.
- Post partisan political messages on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media site.
All conduct must pass a “facts and circumstances” test that considers the organization’s other activities and the current political climate. In terms of inviting or allowing a politician to speak at an event, important factors include:
- The length of time until individual’s next election.
- Whether the individual will reference either the election or campaign issues.
- How closely the masajid is associated with the politician in the eyes of the public, including the frequency and manner in which the individual/others are given a platform.
Rule of Thumb: As long as no connection to a candidate, or candidates, is made, some commentary on issues is okay. DO NOT make statements about candidates.
Best Practice: In any statement that may be construed as aimed at a particular candidate, be sure to include, “As a 501(c)(3), we cannot endorse candidates.”
Bottom Line: DO encourage members to be informed on issues and exercise their right to vote. DO NOT suggest or attempt to influence how they should vote on individuals or parties.