Skip to Main Content Skip to Footer Toggle Navigation Menu

Information Related to Political Campaign Activity

This information is intended for chartered student organizations and political campaigns interested in holding political campaign events on campus. Student organizations should reach out to Center for Student Leadership and Engagement (CSLE) staff with questions. Representatives from political campaigns should reach out to Event Operations with questions.

Introduction: Macalester’s status as a 501(c)(3) organization

Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. As such, Macalester, as a nonprofit entity, is prohibited from providing fiscal support to, or participating in political campaign activity on behalf of, politicians, campaigns, or political parties. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes.

Non-partisan voter education activities

Non-partisan voter education activities not associated with a political campaign (such as get out the vote rallies, voter rights and protections seminars, and voter registration drives) are permissible and encouraged as part of the college’s educational mission, and commitment to community and civic engagement, as long as these efforts do not reflect or incorporate partisan bias or opinion.

Political campaign events sponsored by chartered Macalester student organizations

An actively chartered student organization may invite a candidate for political office (or surrogate) to participate in an event on campus if the following conditions are met:

  • The event is held in a reserved campus space (indoor or outdoor) and confined to the space reserved.
  • Promotion of the event must include the following disclaimer: Views of the candidate/speaker do not reflect the views or positions of Macalester College nor the college’s endorsement of any candidate/speaker.
  • Student organizations may not use the event or any Macalester resources to conduct fundraising activities on behalf of candidates or political parties.

Representatives from the student organization must notify and meet with a member of the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement (CSLE) staff to discuss event planning policies and work through the approval process at minimum 2 weeks prior to confirming or promoting the event. Political campaign events require approval from the President’s Chief of Staff to confirm compliance with the Internal Revenue Code for 501(c)(3) organizations. CSLE staff will work with student organizations to facilitate the process of obtaining necessary approvals.

Individual students (not affiliated with a chartered student organization) may not sponsor activities on campus related to or on behalf of candidates for political office.

Political campaign events with space rented by a campaign

Campaigns wishing to host events at Macalester that are not sponsored by a chartered Macalester student organization may rent space on campus if the following conditions are met:

  • The campaign or organization commits to a rental agreement with the college, provides proof of insurance, and pays full fees prior to the event taking place for space rental and any additional event services.
  • The campaign pays the standard rental fee for the use of space. Because of the college’s status as a 501(c)(3) organization, Macalester cannot reduce or waive rental fees, provide services without charge, or otherwise provide aid or assistance that has a financial benefit without charging full price for the services.
  • The campaign includes a disclaimer in all communications about the event, and at the outset of the event, stating that the views expressed do not reflect the views or positions of Macalester College nor the college’s endorsement of any candidate/speaker.

Campaign representatives should work with Event Operations staff to discuss policies and work through the approval process. Reservation requests should be made 2 weeks prior to the event date to allow time for necessary arrangements and approvals. Political campaign events require approval from the President’s Chief of Staff to confirm compliance with the Internal Revenue Code for 501(c)(3) organizations. Event operations staff will work with campaign representatives to facilitate the process of obtaining necessary approvals.

Campaign solicitation in residence halls

In accordance with state law (Minnesota Statute Section 211B.20), candidates for public office may request to carry out campaign solicitation activities in college residence halls. This includes reservations for shared spaces in the residence halls and door knocking/materials distribution. Campaign requests for door knocking/materials distribution must be made 5 business days prior to the anticipated event, and campaign activity is limited to certain hours. Information about residence hall Political Solicitation Policies and Procedures is available from Residential Life.