Ballot Measures: What Nonprofits Can Do

On November 6th voters will decide the fate of 176 ballot measures in 38 states. They cover a range of issues including taxes and revenue, immigrant rights, public services, criminal justice, voter ID requirements, and same-sex marriage.

While nonprofits cannot endorse or oppose candidates for office, they can engage their communities around ballot measures. Remember, ballot measures are laws, not candidates and activity for or against a ballot measure is considered lobbying not electioneering. Therefore, you can:

1. Take a stand on a ballot measure and encourage a "yes" or "no" vote.
2. Provide neutral information on a ballot measure explaining what a "yes" or "no" vote means as a nonpartisan education activity.

Browse our ballot measure resources--like our Nonprofits and Ballot Measures factsheet and training video featuring the Alliance for Justice--to learn more about working on ballot measures.

Check out Bolder Advocacy's Ballot Measure Toolkit for nonprofits and foundations and see a complete list of 2012 ballot questions provided by Ballotpedia.

Voters need a reason to go to the polls, and you can give them one by talking about the ballot measures under consideration. Encourage voters to turnout by reminding them that they can have a direct impact on these issues simply by voting. Find out what's on your ballot by contacting your local elections office for a sample ballot.

Need other ideas? Download 10 Things to Do Between Now and Election Day.