Federal tax law explicitly prohibits activity by 501(c)(3) organizations like Techqueria that support or oppose candidates for public office, but it also recognizes the importance of our participation in the democratic process. Mentioning actions of past candidates that are no longer actively running for office, such as past presidents, is permissible as it does not constitute political campaign intervention.

These guidelines were taken from Bolder Advocacy.

Federal tax law explicitly prohibits activity by 501(c)(3) organizations like Techqueria that support or oppose candidates for public office, but it also recognizes the importance of our participation in the democratic process.

The law allows Techqueria to engage in a wide variety of nonpartisan election-related activities, including voter registration and education as well as ballot measure campaigns.

The IRS prohibits what it calls “campaign intervention” by 501(c)(3) organizations like Techqueria. A 501(c)(3) organization may not help or hurt the chances for the election of any particular candidate or group of candidates, regardless of political party affiliation.

For instance, Techqueria could not campaign to get specific women or Latinos elected, even if they do not care whether the candidates are Republican, Democrat, or even if the election is non-partisan (no party affiliation).

A 501(c)(3)’s role during an election must be educational – and to encourage civic participation.

Although there is a lot a 501(c)(3) can do around an election, Techqueria must stop short of directly or indirectly telling people how to vote or for whom to vote.

Permissible Election Activities

With certain restrictions, Techqueria MAY do the following: