On Tuesday, June 2, California will hold a Primary Election during which voters will choose between candidates for federal and state offices, including their new Governor. As Election Day approaches, community members have reached out to CAIR-CA for guidance on how to vote.
As a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, CAIR-CA cannot endorse political candidates, make recommendations on candidate selections, or advocate for party preference.
Read below to learn more about 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
Know the Difference: (c)(3) vs. (c)(4)
501(c)(3) Organizations
Primary Function: To operate exclusively for a charitable or other exempt purpose, providing a public benefit.
Examples: Charitable (such as CAIR-CA), religious (such as your local mosque), or educational organizations.
Tax Status: Exempt 
Donations: Generally tax-deductible
Partisan Political Activity: Not Allowed 
501(c)(4) Organizations
Primary Function: To promote the “common good and general welfare” of the community.
Examples: Social welfare organizations (such as CAIR Action and the American Civil Liberties Union), some local associations of employees.
Tax Status: Exempt
Donations: Not tax-deductible
Partisan Political Activity: Allowed, as long as it is not its primary activity.
What a 501(c)(3) Organization CAN Do
- Limited lobbying for or against legislation.
- Limited support for or opposition to ballot measures.
- Conduct public education and training sessions about participation in the political process.
- Educate candidates on issues within the purview of the organization, as long as information is offered to all candidates.
- Distribute voter guides to the public that outline candidates’ views on a broad range of issues.
- Sponsor a debate, candidate forum, or accountability assemblies between candidates, where all viable candidates are invited and given equal opportunity to speak.
- Conduct nonpartisan, Get Out the Vote activities, voter registration, and education drives.
- Establish a 501(c)(4) organization.
- Conduct partisan voter protection activities.
- Criticize sitting elected officials, as long as it does not attack their personal characteristics or attack them in their status as a candidate.
What a 501(c)(3) Organization CAN NOT Do
- Endorse political candidates, make recommendations on candidate selections, or advocate for party preference.
- Distribute voter guides to the public that compare candidates on issues of importance to the organization.
- Conduct voter registration and Get Out the Vote activities based on party affiliation or how people will vote.
- Fund independent expenditures in support of or in opposition to a candidate.
- Make campaign contributions, whether monetary or in-kind.
- Establish and pay for the administrative and fundraising costs or a connected political organization as a separate, segregated fund.
- Connect the organization’s criticism of a public official to voting in an election.
- Highlight the differences between candidates for public office on a high-profile issue on which the candidates have diverging views.
- Ask candidates to sign pledges on any issue.
- Post partisan political messages on social media.
Limitations for Mosques
Mosques can play a unique role in helping inform our communities on the importance of civic engagement, and CAIR-CA encourages them to engage in non-partisan election activities, including but not limited to voter registration drives, Get Out the Vote campaigns, the publication of voter education guides and voting records, candidate forums, voting caravans, and even registering to become a voting center.
To engage in the election process while maintaining good standing with their nonprofit status, mosque leaders should be sure to learn about the rules, regulations, and participation limits for nonprofits in the general election.
To view the full guide for mosques, click here.
Important Dates To Remember
May 18
Deadline to register to vote online or by mail. Click here to register.
May 19–June 2
Same-day voter registration available in person. If you missed the deadline to register to vote online, you can “conditionally” register in person and vote using a provisional ballot during this time.
May 23
Voter’s Choice Act counties open vote centers.
May 30
In-person voting locations open.
June 2
Primary Election Day! Polling places and vote centers are open statewide 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must also be postmarked by this date.
Sources: Alliance for Justice, IRS
