(The Center Square) – With the general election now just two months away, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sent a five-page letter to churches and their leaders across the state this week advising them on how they can be involved in elections without risking their tax-exempt status or breaking other laws.
The key, he said, is to avoid taking stands for one candidate or party against another. That includes posting statements for or against specific candidates running in the Nov. 5 election.
“Since its founding, churches have played a vital and indispensable role in our nation’s political and civic life,” he said in a statement. “There is no federal law that precludes religious leaders from speaking about voter education in a non-partisan way or for the organizations they lead to host or conduct related activities.”
The general election ballot will be a crowded one this year. In addition to the presidential election, featuring former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, versus incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, there are also races for governor (featuring Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun against Democratic candidate Jennifer McCormick), a U.S. Senate seat (with Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Banks facing off against Democrat Valerie McCray) and numerous Congressional and state executive (including Rokita, a Republican, challenged by Democrat Destiny Scott Wells for attorney general).
There are also several state legislative, judicial and local school board races for voters this year. Several of those races will also have at least one or more third-party or independent candidates.
While churches may not voice favorability or opposition to a specific candidate or party, Rokita said they are not bound by such restrictions on policy issues, such as abortion, immigration or crime. Churches may also develop advertisements urging congregants and the public to contact an incumbent running for re-election to back a specific measure, provided the ad does not mention the election.
Other approved activities include voter registration drives and inviting candidates to speak. The latter is approved, however, only if the church extends a similar invitation to other candidates in the same race.
“Once familiar with the limits on their politically related conduct, churches should be confident that they can robustly engage in many election activities without violating the law,” Rokita wrote.
The attorney general also said anyone believing a church or other nonprofit is breaking the law can file a complaint with his office.
