: Legal Guidelines

What PTAs Can Do Around Elections
It is election time again and many PTA leaders are having questions about what election related activities they can and can’t engage in. Local PTA’s are non-profit organization and fall under the IRS election guidelines for non-profits. To help you decide what activities your local PTA will get involved in we have provided a few quick can and can’t.

PTA Can:

Host a candidate’s forum: all candidates appearing on the ballot for a given position must be invited to participate and given equal time to respond.
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 Can Not:

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.
Distribute any campaign materials on behalf of a candidate.
Wear campaign buttons or t-shirts during a PTA meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

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. It is important to make it clear that the donation is coming from you as an individual and not the PTA.

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.