By Jill (Bennett) Iman, JVA Consulting

Last week, a co-host on a Fox news show, suggested that young women should excuse themselves from voting in the upcoming midterm elections. Arguing that younger women do not have the same “life experience” as older women, the host seemed to imply that younger women are not as familiar with the issues as men or as older women, and thus, should stay away from the polls on November 4.

To be fair, Guilfoyle intended the comment as a joke, responding to criticisms by saying that she takes the right to vote “very seriously” and that it is important individuals should be informed when they choose to vote. However, whether a joke or not, the take-away message seems to be if your primary issue (e.g., reproductive rights) contradicts with “my” primary issue, please stay away. This is incredibly dangerous territory, particularly for those who work with underserved populations and communities.

We all have the responsibility to vote, and yes, to also be informed. But the danger in encouraging anyone to stay away from the polls often means that those with the loudest voices (i.e., power) are the ones doing the encouraging. Regardless of political beliefs or persuasion, we all have the responsibility to ensure that all voices are present and represented on Election Day.

Allowable Election Activities for Nonprofit Organizations

With all this said, it’s important that nonprofit organizations in particular pay attention to the rules and regulations that govern their allowable activities during election season.

Generally, a 501(c)(3) organization or staff member while representing the nonprofit, may NOT*:

• Provide financial support to candidates or political parties
• Rate candidates
• Endorse candidates (implicitly or explicitly)

However, with any “Do Not Do” list, it’s important to also include the “Do’s” of which my favorites are that a 501(c)(3) organization is able to:

• Conduct voter engagement
• Educate voters in a nonpartisan fashion
• Hold nonpartisan candidate forums

In other words, providing factual information on when, how and where to vote and providing nonpartisan education on the candidates and ballot issues is entirely permissible. As frontline workers, nonprofits are in a unique position to educate and engage voters, and any suggestion that certain “groups” or “types” of individuals should stay away from the polls is harmful to this country and to our communities.

As November 4 draws near, I hope that we all remember the role that we have to play in ensuring that all voices are heard and to quote Guilfoyle, that all voices are “informed” on the voting process and on the issues.