Registered voters matter
In order for Christians to have an impact on our country and on public policy, we must vote – and in order to vote, you have to be registered. Sadly almost half of all Christians don’t even register, much less vote.
When the next election comes, will everyone in your church be registered? Make sure that they are by conducting a registration drive in your church.
Click Here to view our “tips on conducting a registration drive” and get downloadable flyers you can use to annouce Citizenship Sunday. Also, visit our Register to Vote page to get voter registration info for your state.
DOs and DON’Ts for church political activity
What Churches May Do:
- Conduct non-partisan voter registration drives
- Distribute non-partisan voter education materials, such as Christian Coalition voter guides and scorecards
- Host forums where all viable candidates are allowed to speak
- Allow candidates and elected officials to speak at church services
- Educate members about pending legislation
- Lobby for legislation and may spend an insubstantial amount of its budget (5% is safe) on direct lobbying activities
- Pastors (and members) may endorse candidates in their capacity as private citizens
- Participate fully in political committees that are independent of the church
What Churches May NOT Do:
- Endorse candidates directly or indirectly on behalf of the church
- Contribute funds or services (such as mailing lists or office equipment) directly to candidates or political committees
- Distribute materials that clearly favor any candidate or party
- Pay fees for partisan political events from church funds
- Allow candidates to solicit funds while speaking in church
- Set up a political committee that would contribute to candidates