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MCC Daily Tribune

Political Activities & Elections Reminders

As we approach Election Day 2020, please take note of the following reminders that still apply while the majority of the campus community remains off campus.

MCC's procedures are based on state law, IRS rulings under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the Federal Election Campaign Act. The penalties associated with improper political activity by a college or university are quite severe, and can include loss of the institution's tax-exempt status and state or federal lawsuits, audits, or investigations.

Higher education institutions are permitted to conduct voter education activities as long as they are carried out in a non-partisan manner. Permitted activities include non-partisan voter registration activities, circulation of questionnaires to candidates for an office (provided the questionnaires cover a broad range of subjects and do not express an editorial opinion), and training programs designed to increase understanding of the electoral process or to encourage students, faculty and staff to become involved in the process.

  • ​Invitations and candidate appearances. In order to provide proper reception, observe appropriate protocols, and ensure that adequate facilities and safety issues are addressed, invitations to elected or appointed officials, or those seeking election, should only be extended after consultation with MCC's Government & Community Relations Office. Anyone desiring to extend such an invitation should contact the Government & Community Relations Office, at x3015 as soon as practicable, and, if at all possible, not less than two weeks prior to such invitation.

    Higher education institutions may invite political candidates to speak at events or public forums as long as all candidates are provided equal access and opportunities to speak. Higher education institutions are prohibited from institutionally endorsing a particular candidate at those events. In addition, campaign fundraising at university events and forums is prohibited. Individuals may also be invited to speak for reasons other than their candidacy, such as a classroom lecture or non-political college event, but they may not campaign or refer to an election.

  • ​Use of institutional resources. Acceptable uses of college resources include establishing genuine curricular activities; adjusting academic calendar to allow students to participate in the political process (if it does not favor a campaign or issue); and allowing recognized/chartered student groups to use institutional facilities for partisan political purposes (provided the student groups follow all rules and regulations). Internal communications may be utilized to alert the MCC community to events sponsored by student groups or rentals that are taking place on MCC property. Such communications must clearly list the sponsoring organization and must state that the college does not endorse any political candidates.

  • ​Participation in the electoral process by faculty, staff, and students. Curricular activities aimed at educating students with respect to the political process (e.g. allowing students as part of a class to participate in political campaign activities) are permitted as long as the college does not influence particular student choices. In general, members of the college community are entitled to participate in the election process, provided they do not speak or act in the name of the institution and do not use MCC resources.

Clayton Jones
Government and Community Relations
06/16/2020