What can churches do during elections without violating IRS rules?

It is time for the church to fulfill its God-given duty to elect godly men and women for public office!

If you are concerned about violating IRS rules on registering voters or the distribution of voter's guides, please note the following from a Washington D.C. based expert on non-profit law, who regularly advises the Focus On The Family organization about these matters.

A CHURCH MAY LEGALLY DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Conduct non-partisan voter registration drives
2. Host candidate forums where all candidates are invited and treated impartially.
3. Distribute voting records and candidate surveys in compliance with the neutrality rules set forth by the IRS. (Voters' Guides)
4. Rent a church mailing list to a candidate.
5. Publish an ad in the church bulletin for all who request, as long as the ad is purchased at the regular rate for such ads.
6. Invite a political candidate to attend a church service or meeting. Other candidates for office must also be given the same opportunity should they request it.

A CHURCH MAY NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:

1. Endorse political candidates.
2. Contribute to political candidates or political committees.
3. Participate in fund-raising projects for political candidates.
4. Make an outright donation of a mailing list to a political candidate.
5. Sell a discounted ad if no other advertisers are offered discounts.
6. Distribute candidate statements.
7. Pay to attend a caucus for a state or national political convention.
8. Make in-kind or independent expenditures for or against candidates.

In essence, therefore, a church has every right to register voters from all parties, distribute voter's guides, and encourage people to get involved with the political process, as long as all candidates are treated equal.