It's an election year and Congress is poised to make some key decisions that will certainly affect museums, especially nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations.
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service says that nonprofits "generally are permitted to engage in advocacy or lobbying related to their exempt purposes," although there are some rules to follow.
AAM has developed a true/false quiz to test your knowledge about how nonprofit museums are allowed to get involved during this election season. Good luck!
Museum is allowed to publicize Election Day.
Museum is allowed to encourage staff to vote.
My museum is allowed to provide information on early voting, absentee voting, polling places, ID requirements and links to candidate information.
Museum is allowed to serve as a polling place.
Museum is allowed to promote voter registration efforts.
Museum is allowed to host a candidates forum.
Museum can allow candidates to rent space for a campaign event.
Museum is allowed to congratulate those who win elections.
I am allowed to volunteer on a political campaign if I do so on my own time.
I am allowed to donate my personal funds to a political candidate.
ANSWERS:
1. True. Your museum is allowed to publicize Election Day.
2. True. Your museum is allowed to encourage staff to vote. (You just can't tell them who to vote for.)
3. True. Your museum is allowed to provide information on early voting, absentee voting, polling places, ID requirements, and links to candidate information. Learn more HERE.
4. True. Your museum is allowed to serve as a polling place.
5. True. Your museum is allowed to promote voter registration efforts.
6. True. Your museum is allowed to host a candidates forum. (As long as you invite all candidates.)
7. True. Your museum can allow candidates to rent space for a campaign event. (As long as you charge fair-market value.)
8. True. Your museum is allowed to congratulate those who win elections.
9. True. You are allowed to volunteer on a political campaign if you do so on your own time.
10. True. You are allowed to donate your personal funds to a political candidate.