P's and Q's for PTAs at Election Time
Many PTA leaders have questions about what election-related activities they and their PTAs can and cannot engage in.
As nonprofit oranizations, PTAs are strictly prohibited from acting to support or oppose any candidate for public office. But they can still get involved at election time. Here's how:
1. Host a candidates forum. all candidates appearing on the ballot for a given position must be invited to participate and given equal time to speak and respond to questions.
2. Publish a candidate questionnaire. All candidates must be given the opportunity to answer the questions, and responses must be printed exactly as written.
3. Register voters. Volunteers must register all eligivle voters, regardless of party affilitation or political views.
4. Remind members to vote.
5. Educate candidates on issues important to PTSA.
PTA's and PTA leaders cannot:
1. Appear in radio, television, or print ads (or other campagin materials) on behalf of a candidate.
2. Invite only one candidate in an election to come speak to the PTA.
3. Tell PTA members to vote only for a candidate who supports a specific position.
4. Distribute any campaign materials on behalf of a candidate.
5. Wear campaign buttons or candidate promotional T-shirts during a PTA meeting or event.
For more information go to http://www.pta.org