PTAs and Elections

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The PTA is a strong voice in advocating for our students, teachers, families, and communities. To maintain the PTAs 501(c)(3) organization status, there are specific rules PTAs must abide by.

Points to keep in mind during election season: 

  • PTA never supports nor opposes a candidate for public/political office but does take positions on issues that affect children and youth.

  • PTAs cannot invite an individual candidate to address the PTA members unless all candidates are invited and given equal opportunity.

  • PTAs can endorse a bond or ballot measure and must follow PTA and school guidelines. PTA associations must vote to endorse any measure and be recorded in your association meeting minutes.

  • You may personally endorse a candidate or ballot measure but not use any current or past PTA affiliation or title as part of the endorsement; use something like “local parent leader” instead.

PTAs are 501(c)(3) organizations, to maintain the IRS tax-exempt status and to continue to receive tax-deductible contributions…

PTAs, as tax-exempt associations, cannot support or oppose political parties or candidates, including those running for school boards and other nonpartisan offices. Participation in these types of activities will endanger the association’s nonprofit status with the IRS (Nonpartisan Policy).

A current or former PTA board member must not use his/her PTA title or the name of the PTA to endorse a candidate.

For the purpose of this policy, all elections involving candidates are defined as partisan elections, even those for “nonpartisan” offices, such as school board or city council. Use of a PTA’s name or the PTA trademark with participation in any partisan activity will endanger PTA’s nonprofit status.

Individual candidates cannot be invited to address PTA meetings, even if they are PTA members, unless all other candidates are invited. This avoids the reality or appearance of bias or support of an individual candidate. There is no restriction on a member who is running for office from performing his or her regular PTA duties. He or she just needs to be mindful to keep PTA and campaign activities separate.