While most of the election-related media coverage is focused on the presidential election, nonprofits across the country are taking nonpartisan steps to engage candidates at the state and local levels, and ensuring that individual nonprofits are doing their part to open dialogues before officials are elected in November.

In August, the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits sent out a questionnaire to all candidates for statewide offices and the state Senate and House. The questionnaire asks about candidates' experience with nonprofits, their policy priorities, and their thoughts on nonprofit tax policy issues. More than 50 candidates have responded so far and the North Carolina Center is encouraging nonprofits in the state to take advantage of the information in three ways:

First, they urge nonprofits to “check out the responses from candidates listed on your ballot.” The North Carolina Center rightly points out that the responses show how each candidate’s public service has been shaped by her or his experience with nonprofits and that all care deeply about having a vibrant nonprofit sector in the state.

Next, the state nonprofit association recommends passing “this information along to your board, staff, volunteers, and the people your nonprofit serves.” The advice continues, “With so much media attention focused on races at the top of the ballot, many people don't have good information about other candidates, who may ultimately have a much greater impact than the President or our U.S. Senator on policies affecting nonprofits.”

Finally, the North Carolina Center issues the call to action to aid the entire nonprofit community in the state, by stating: “If you notice that candidates on your ballot (particularly people you know) haven't yet responded, please encourage them to complete the questionnaire and submit their responses as soon as possible. We will continue to accept responses and update this information on our website through Election Day.”

A word of advice given to the nonprofits in North Carolina is worth heeding by all nonprofits: “Please remember that while your organization can (and should) share this information, it is illegal for 501(c)(3) nonprofits to endorse or oppose candidates for office.” The rules for engaging with candidates in a nonpartisan way are relatively straightforward and need to be followed. Nonprofit VOTE provides more information about Candidate Questionnaires and Voter Guides.