With Election Day approaching on November 5th, here are some ways 501c3 organizations can assist in ensuring a robust, fair election — without engaging in political activity or lobbying. Through educational and charitable work, like helping people vote, 501c3s can play a vital role in making sure everyone has a voice in our democracy.
501c3s can educate and facilitate voter registration
- Ask your program participants if they’re registered to vote and provide information about how to register on Election Day (online voter registration ended October 17th)
- They can check here to see if they are registered at their current address
- Explain the documentation that is needed to register and to vote
501c3s can educate on methods to vote
- ABSENTEE: Here’s information on absentee voting in Wisconsin. Note that the local clerk must receive requests for absentee ballots by 5:00 pm on October 31, 2024.
- Or, to vote early (called “in person absentee”) here’s a list of Madison sites that host early, in-person voting from October 22 – November 3, 2024 (for Madison residents only)
- IN PERSON: On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, voters must go to their assigned polling place. To find assigned election-day polling places, search here.5
501c3s can help on Election Day
- 501c3s can help by giving rides and answering questions about voting. Consider giving your staff time off to help at the polls!
All of these activities are acceptable for a 501c3. The key is to ensure you share this information with all your participants, without favoring any political views.
There are limits! 501c3s are strictly prohibited from directly or indirectly supporting or opposing a candidate or telling people how to vote. But this doesn’t stop you from promoting your organization’s values and educating on the issues without crossing that line.
Employer Responsibilities on Voting Day
All employers, included nonprofits, should know the rules about Election Day. Read on.
In Wisconsin, employees eligible to vote are entitled to up to three consecutive hours off work during polling hours. Employees must request time off before election day, and the employer may designate when the time off is taken. While employers are not required to pay for the time off, they cannot penalize employees for taking it. Employees have no similar right to serve as registered poll workers, but employers are free to offer them the time off.
Prior to election day, employers should review their internal policies and any collective bargaining agreements, which may offer more generous time off for voting than Wisconsin law. Employers with out-of-state employees should also review the voting laws in states where they have employees, as other states have different voting requirements which can include paid time off and specific voting notices.
If you have any questions, Scholz Nonprofit Law is here for you. Please let us know how we can help by emailing Melissa, Jeff, Jessica, or West.
If you have any questions, Scholz Nonprofit Law is here for you.