PTAs are 501c3 nonprofit organizations and must remain neutral and nonpartisan during elections. To help you decide what activities your local PTA can get involved in, we have provided the following guidance:
PTA can:
- Host a candidate’s forum where all candidates appearing on the ballot for a given position must be invited to participate and given equal time to respond. Some candidates may choose not to attend and that is acceptable. PTAs can provide a great service to the community by hosting meet the candidate meetings or by directing PTA members to local debates where all candidates are invited.
- Publish a candidate’s questionnaire: all candidates must be given the opportunity to answer the questionnaire and responses must be printed exactly as written.
- Register voters. Volunteers must register all eligible voters regardless of party affiliation or political views.
- Remind members to vote.
- Educate candidates on issues important to PTA.
PTA cannot:
- Invite only one candidate in an election to come speak to the PTA.
- Tell PTA members to only vote for a candidate who supports X position.
- Rate candidates on who is most favorable to your issue(s).
- Distribute any campaign materials on behalf of a candidate.
- Wear campaign buttons or t-shirts during a PTA meeting or PTA event.
- Endorse or oppose candidates or use their PTA leadership positions to endorse candidates.
- Donate to campaigns or facilitate fundraising for any candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can our PTA take a position on a local ballot measure or levy?
A: Yes, it is considered direct lobbying because the voters are the decision makers. It is important to remember that working on a ballot measure will count as lobby activities and is subject to IRS non-profit lobbying rules. Ask your state PTA for about any state laws that may apply.
Q: If I’m a PTA president am I allowed to make any political contributions?
A: Yes, as a citizen you can make political contributions. Individual PTA leaders or members may donate personally. It is important to make it clear that the donation is coming from you as an individual and not the PTA.
Q: If I’m a PTA member or leader can I host a campaign event?
A: Yes, as an individual, you may choose to host an event and invite whichever candidates and guests you choose. The messaging about a private event should be intentional and appropriate without reference to PTA.
Q: If I’m a PTA member or leader can I endorse a candidate?
A: Yes, an individual may endorse a candidate without reference to the PTA position they hold.
As a 501c3 organization, local PTA bylaws Article IV, section 15 states:
"The association or members in their official capacities shall not, directly or indirectly, participate or intervene (in any way, including the publishing or distributing of statements) in any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office"
According to the IRS website:
If a candidate is invited to speak at an organization event in his or her capacity as a political candidate, the organization must take steps to ensure that:
- It provides an equal opportunity to participate to all political candidates seeking the same office;
- It does not indicate any support for or opposition to any candidate (including candidate introductions and in communications concerning any candidate’s attendance); and
- No political fundraising occurs.
View additional information from the IRS.
National PTA Election Resources
National PTA offers many resources to assist with election year activities. There is information regarding maintaining the PTA 501(c)(3) status and important guidelines for your success. Each of the document below are from the National PTA website. Use of the resources will help you to have an excellent experience as you hold candidate forum and other events this election year. Click on the resource documents below: