{"id":1614,"date":"2026-08-14T09:39:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T14:39:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/?page_id=1614"},"modified":"2026-09-18T15:26:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-18T20:26:59","slug":"official-political-policies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/official-political-policies\/","title":{"rendered":"Official Political Policies"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-modular-content-collection>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">St. Olaf College is committed to civic education and engagement, including encouraging meaningful interactions with candidates for public office and elected officials; however, the context of the interactions and who is organizing those interactions changes how this can be done so as not to jeopardize the college&#8217;s 501(c)3 nonprofit organization status. See below for our policies and information for different constituencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t<div\n\t\t\tclass=\"site-section site-panel__tabs panel panel-tabs site-section__bg--normal\"\n\t\t\tdata-depth=\"\"\n\t\t\tdata-js-panel=\"tabs\"\n\t\t>\n\t\n\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner\" data-js=\"tabs\">\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"site-panel__tablist\" data-js=\"tab-list\" role=\"tablist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"site-panel__tab-item\" role=\"presentation\" data-js=\"tab-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"site-panel__tab-btn site-panel__tab-btn--active\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-js=\"site-panel__tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-target=\"site-panel__tab-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-controls=\"site-panel__tab-content-1\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Show<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSt. Olaf Community Members\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Content<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"site-panel__tab-item\" role=\"presentation\" data-js=\"tab-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"site-panel__tab-btn  \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-js=\"site-panel__tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-target=\"site-panel__tab-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-controls=\"site-panel__tab-content-2\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Show<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStudent Political Organizations\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Content<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"site-panel__tab-item\" role=\"presentation\" data-js=\"tab-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"site-panel__tab-btn  \"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-js=\"site-panel__tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-target=\"site-panel__tab-content-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\trole=\"tab\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-controls=\"site-panel__tab-content-3\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-selected=\"false\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Show<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCandidates and Elected Officials\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"u-visual-hide\">Content<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__tab-content-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"site-panel__tab-content-1\" class=\"site-panel__tab-content site-panel__tab-content--active\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"panel panel-child panel--type-wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--default\" data-depth=\"1\" data-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"columns\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content  site-section \" data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-name=\"column_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\">As a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, St. Olaf College may not participate or intervene in any political campaign on behalf of \u2014 or in opposition to \u2014 a candidate for public office. Violations could expose the college to excise taxes and, in serious cases, jeopardize its tax-exempt status.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">These restrictions apply to the college and to individuals acting or appearing to act on its behalf. They do not prevent students, faculty, or staff from participating in political activities in their personal capacities, on their own time, and without using college resources or implying college endorsement.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The following guidance is intended to help the college comply with federal law while respecting individual freedom of speech and encouraging informed participation in the democratic process. Related provisions concerning academic freedom, freedom of speech, and political activity appear in the<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WFmWCpX47x3KXRF3DhwVViWw-2FxEdH69gMqN2wiQr9cX-2FcvGfvyAtTSaA0sxt51Tm7Q4NKC6x6P17P7oMfc6TfiVaQ875Vy-2Bkjk65qUgYjn74w4WaLvVrCy7rCXokF8j0xw-3D-3DIObC_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOc8xe5Acs0QSjLmuFhzRIdMgc1niLgxii5Y8BD-2BNc38NlnNvRoR7oEc5Fo4rm47kY6ebKL5qL4ZrYPSmFMSneSDbVjAc-2FMS03TVRSAF3Im8WaTOGIGJ6sRm-2FBAQsH3NnYgost-2FTjY1TlwzpGph9ouN50XwC2AeRSfAAJ1Zkelld8wTbVMGkyGyqq8mOTHFIx7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WFmWCpX47x3KXRF3DhwVViWw-2FxEdH69gMqN2wiQr9cX-2FcvGfvyAtTSaA0sxt51Tm7Q4NKC6x6P17P7oMfc6TfiVaQ875Vy-2Bkjk65qUgYjn74w4WaLvVrCy7rCXokF8j0xw-3D-3DIObC_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOc8xe5Acs0QSjLmuFhzRIdMgc1niLgxii5Y8BD-2BNc38NlnNvRoR7oEc5Fo4rm47kY6ebKL5qL4ZrYPSmFMSneSDbVjAc-2FMS03TVRSAF3Im8WaTOGIGJ6sRm-2FBAQsH3NnYgost-2FTjY1TlwzpGph9ouN50XwC2AeRSfAAJ1Zkelld8wTbVMGkyGyqq8mOTHFIx7&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3MJvjTV3mEzyNt_9hepD4A\">\u00a0<strong>Faculty Manual<\/strong><\/a> (page 26) and the<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WBf0iHzEcj6HDs5gqdhvZqVPTxYQDc1as1q2v2i-2FZNaSXBPlEUvSuxYdo9mrLQcenoQzmA9o81Cp4K7etmpF5dc-3Dfqr4_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yO2e71Nmxss2Ygy0ZQc8v1YinnR-2FSpUwopuHcd1pBBBo8Bct2SFghbjctGDOjVqLN1lAjo5FEN5JEnpD0itFZZ4LBn14-2B2IHTcU5fAL9adsN54CJaX3hXSA7w1Ykx63nTx7kBSHD25ucj5x9-2Bl2DuHO48ijMJU-2BZM3C-2BkMoft-2Bim6tqJAICfU-2BrRP-2B8qePRup8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WBf0iHzEcj6HDs5gqdhvZqVPTxYQDc1as1q2v2i-2FZNaSXBPlEUvSuxYdo9mrLQcenoQzmA9o81Cp4K7etmpF5dc-3Dfqr4_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yO2e71Nmxss2Ygy0ZQc8v1YinnR-2FSpUwopuHcd1pBBBo8Bct2SFghbjctGDOjVqLN1lAjo5FEN5JEnpD0itFZZ4LBn14-2B2IHTcU5fAL9adsN54CJaX3hXSA7w1Ykx63nTx7kBSHD25ucj5x9-2Bl2DuHO48ijMJU-2BZM3C-2BkMoft-2Bim6tqJAICfU-2BrRP-2B8qePRup8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2cgX-b6nwB4sQCze92XFjI\"> <strong>Staff Handbook<\/strong><\/a> (page 15).<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Student organizations may use campus facilities for certain partisan political activities in accordance with college policies. Additional information is available on the college&#8217;s<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WN1LreLd6-2BKruNaRur0cG7hARYvO3FmHQ0fQ1DHLacIKq308AlrXHbLptIDGkYbGDA-3D-3D1KuY_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yORc-2FpocK2s5AJf0qU37ajX3NHXTy942X6qsTGX9ThB5DXx8YNlqnf37pzDZ7BQiDmjPwSg3LRTYEiSeCFIFj2KsBQVwMrF3aUAbO3zGThfO0Mos8GJAPQ7tC0Pmxy-2B79bzE0ghL6MrJq25mdCv3llOOF58l3dj1tbqm5KokfvUUCBB4RBjV7Azlzs3qMXTtx1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WN1LreLd6-2BKruNaRur0cG7hARYvO3FmHQ0fQ1DHLacIKq308AlrXHbLptIDGkYbGDA-3D-3D1KuY_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yORc-2FpocK2s5AJf0qU37ajX3NHXTy942X6qsTGX9ThB5DXx8YNlqnf37pzDZ7BQiDmjPwSg3LRTYEiSeCFIFj2KsBQVwMrF3aUAbO3zGThfO0Mos8GJAPQ7tC0Pmxy-2B79bzE0ghL6MrJq25mdCv3llOOF58l3dj1tbqm5KokfvUUCBB4RBjV7Azlzs3qMXTtx1&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0AVOqKbAii__fzLw7Q7sxz\">\u00a0<strong>political policies page<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Permissible and Prohibited Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Whether an activity is permissible depends on all the relevant facts and circumstances. The following examples provide general guidance:<\/p>\n<ul id=\"m_6550305096290797487m_-7909721218761167106isPasted\">\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Permissible:\u00a0Sponsoring a genuinely nonpartisan candidate forum that uses neutral participation criteria, treats participating candidates equally, addresses a broad range of issues, and does not indicate approval or disapproval of any candidate<br \/>\nProhibited:\u00a0Conducting a forum in a manner that favors or disfavors a candidate, including through selective invitations, unequal treatment, biased questions, or comments indicating a preference<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Permissible: Conducting a nonpartisan voter registration or get-out-the-vote\u00a0effort<br \/>\nProhibited:\u00a0Targeting voter-registration or turnout efforts based on an intention to benefit or disadvantage a candidate or political party<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Permissible: Distributing an impartial voter guide that covers candidates and issues using neutral criteria and presents candidates\u2019 positions fairly and consistently<br \/>\nProhibited:\u00a0Endorsing a candidate, publishing candidate ratings, or presenting information in a manner that expressly or implicitly favors or opposes a candidate<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Permissible: Taking positions on public-policy issues consistent with the college\u2019s educational mission, including issues on which candidates or political parties disagree<br \/>\nProhibited:\u00a0Using issue advocacy as a means of supporting or opposing a candidate (references to candidates, elections, voting, party affiliations, or campaign platforms may cause an issue communication to be treated as prohibited campaign intervention, depending on the circumstances)<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\">Permissible: Using college email, computers, printing, and other resources for nonpartisan voter education and registration activities authorized by the college<br \/>\nProhibited:\u00a0Using college email accounts, mailing lists, websites, social media accounts, funds, equipment, printing services, facilities, or other resources to support or oppose a candidate, political party, or political action committee, except as expressly permitted under the college\u2019s policies governing student organizations and facility use<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"m_6550305096290797487m_-7909721218761167106isPasted\" dir=\"ltr\">Individual employees who are working with a political campaign or in public-facing roles at the college should take care to indicate that any use of their professional title is for identification purposes only, and that their comments are personal and not made on behalf of St. Olaf College.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Before inviting a candidate to participate in a college-sponsored event \u2014 or offering a candidate or campaign any payment, honorarium, facility, or other college resource \u2014 please consult the Office of the General Counsel.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Individual Political Activity<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Students, faculty, and staff remain free to express political views and participate in campaigns in their personal capacities. Employees engaging in political activity should make clear that they are speaking for themselves and not for the college.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Employees who identify themselves by their St. Olaf title or who hold prominent or public-facing college positions should include an appropriate disclaimer, such as: &#8220;My affiliation with St. Olaf College is provided for identification purposes only. The views expressed are my own and do not represent the college.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">A college title should not be used in a manner that suggests college sponsorship or endorsement of a candidate or campaign.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Political Activity Near the Buntrock Commons Polling Place<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Buntrock Commons serves as a polling location for eligible members of the St. Olaf community and certain neighboring residents. Minnesota law restricts campaign activity during voting hours:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">During absentee and early voting, the restrictions apply within the polling place and, to the extent practicable, within 100 feet of the room where voting occurs.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">On the day of a primary or general election, the restrictions apply within the polling place, within 100 feet of the building, and anywhere on the public property on which the polling place is situated.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Within these areas, individuals may not solicit votes or wear, display, or distribute items identifying a candidate, ballot question, or political party appearing on the ballot. This includes signs, banners, buttons, stickers, shirts, hats, and similar items. See<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WFvndRzNfZzswlKnKfS51x6TEZ3aMOBgwhGBjCIwYJ6A6tN8y4AaYp9fTbrJXu0iOw-3D-3Dmf39_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yO6UbC4lyJ8edYN9L2tzhUsyuEL3a1dQQ69Totg105N9skaP8wJLUebjED4z6ag5hZ4j8rrIKxyfDV4LfKmky1ifrZJUFDQoJqXpSHEFBY-2B68nIV43uv6UOS1idhJfTULDGmlBhwVRKluzxWWiJuxmKbQ94PWvggXpyVolRdkUFTd9ivy8ILcDsTAndJ4bAIS6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WFvndRzNfZzswlKnKfS51x6TEZ3aMOBgwhGBjCIwYJ6A6tN8y4AaYp9fTbrJXu0iOw-3D-3Dmf39_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yO6UbC4lyJ8edYN9L2tzhUsyuEL3a1dQQ69Totg105N9skaP8wJLUebjED4z6ag5hZ4j8rrIKxyfDV4LfKmky1ifrZJUFDQoJqXpSHEFBY-2B68nIV43uv6UOS1idhJfTULDGmlBhwVRKluzxWWiJuxmKbQ94PWvggXpyVolRdkUFTd9ivy8ILcDsTAndJ4bAIS6&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ZCuNbHd2S5RKp5Bd1ila_\">\u00a0<strong>Minnesota Statutes section 211B.11<\/strong><\/a>. The college will send a reminder before applicable election days.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"><strong>Political Campaigning in Residence Halls<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Under Minnesota law, qualifying candidates seeking to represent the district in which a residence hall is located \u2014 and campaign volunteers accompanying those candidates \u2014 must generally be provided reasonable access to campaign or register voters. They may knock on individual student-room doors and leave campaign materials in an orderly manner, subject to the reasonable limitations permitted by law and college policy.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This access requirement does not extend independently to political parties, organizations, or campaign volunteers who are not accompanying a qualifying candidate. Additional information appears on the college&#8217;s<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WN1LreLd6-2BKruNaRur0cG7hARYvO3FmHQ0fQ1DHLacIKq308AlrXHbLptIDGkYbGDA-3D-3D7RxJ_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOTzvPGeKrp0maDg-2BEsUDImwuBCy1HU-2Be-2BDlcCxFsVyaXiiGIQitIOrPPmmGpU0AnnZ7jtJQjHe8z40fDcfucVjJ-2BKIBIYvbk2nv-2FAx-2BbHb-2F0NBktkOZCOXrKdxZNSU2gHW3YceYk51Mkz7kYEI-2BQzyN-2FDgOoBSuC-2BkBKzuKQbNx1iVjGtixzKf9N2d-2B-2F0QHDR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WN1LreLd6-2BKruNaRur0cG7hARYvO3FmHQ0fQ1DHLacIKq308AlrXHbLptIDGkYbGDA-3D-3D7RxJ_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOTzvPGeKrp0maDg-2BEsUDImwuBCy1HU-2Be-2BDlcCxFsVyaXiiGIQitIOrPPmmGpU0AnnZ7jtJQjHe8z40fDcfucVjJ-2BKIBIYvbk2nv-2FAx-2BbHb-2F0NBktkOZCOXrKdxZNSU2gHW3YceYk51Mkz7kYEI-2BQzyN-2FDgOoBSuC-2BkBKzuKQbNx1iVjGtixzKf9N2d-2B-2F0QHDR&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw19ZquSMmWnDi_TCPPXM5OR\">\u00a0<strong>political policies page<\/strong><\/a> and in<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WFvndRzNfZzswlKnKfS51x6TEZ3aMOBgwhGBjCIwYJ6A-2BFY8Wu15HDjyqZMBowklTg-3D-3DwDtv_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOiZh-2BXBVtp27HiidgyKqu8gX00haO2-2F7aX-2FKWpgB81w3f3aa4H20bGEOhi6vesbbCcEVwDKO5M9-2Bl7bud6HZtQsHL9TE1kv5IL6Mv57jy9yfnXDxfpbmOcdC4JB1XWbdV7Vw6RfVm5yGALnjoFS0XuGWhcvu6kmn3EoX-2FW7w8REFjIyvqV-2FGfAqifF6uu3QwS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WFvndRzNfZzswlKnKfS51x6TEZ3aMOBgwhGBjCIwYJ6A-2BFY8Wu15HDjyqZMBowklTg-3D-3DwDtv_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOiZh-2BXBVtp27HiidgyKqu8gX00haO2-2F7aX-2FKWpgB81w3f3aa4H20bGEOhi6vesbbCcEVwDKO5M9-2Bl7bud6HZtQsHL9TE1kv5IL6Mv57jy9yfnXDxfpbmOcdC4JB1XWbdV7Vw6RfVm5yGALnjoFS0XuGWhcvu6kmn3EoX-2FW7w8REFjIyvqV-2FGfAqifF6uu3QwS&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0d4Oan8im_NGlBJRMIXuZs\">\u00a0<strong>Minnesota Statutes section 211B.20<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This guidance is not exhaustive. The IRS discusses the facts and circumstances relevant to political campaign activity in<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WBfUnlXbt-2FIYjPnCyU-2FuLiZ84ZnZv8OpQ9Zs1jfD-2BO0cvyCZHvTa9Jlgs8OZaAAFDQ-3D-3Dg1J0_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOYp-2BM6pjXx70vaEoGP1F8-2BDUFe6EWI3uUWTcLRO4JjS4Ed4AJca-2FYpfuwzXsSvQHRPH6FA0BQ4D-2BxixI7m8rzARYp14359KwlEQRiZrpYwCpnUF7xZIIOTYRza1w09jYXd5VhJrfEOnoMVhxD-2BBIeaDHbKXns-2BP5SIeI9wLHNYmF-2FRXUIGNd8tlYV9Nz9G9uh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WBfUnlXbt-2FIYjPnCyU-2FuLiZ84ZnZv8OpQ9Zs1jfD-2BO0cvyCZHvTa9Jlgs8OZaAAFDQ-3D-3Dg1J0_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yOYp-2BM6pjXx70vaEoGP1F8-2BDUFe6EWI3uUWTcLRO4JjS4Ed4AJca-2FYpfuwzXsSvQHRPH6FA0BQ4D-2BxixI7m8rzARYp14359KwlEQRiZrpYwCpnUF7xZIIOTYRza1w09jYXd5VhJrfEOnoMVhxD-2BBIeaDHbKXns-2BP5SIeI9wLHNYmF-2FRXUIGNd8tlYV9Nz9G9uh&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zHgofNZqFVi7kne_Wp8dp\">\u00a0<strong>Revenue Ruling 2007-41<\/strong><\/a>. The American Council on Education has also published<a href=\"http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn=u001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WJEjveMGDU7iwRQmWCoRmugsL-2FxU5wSa4mZD0vy9x45t2K5qQfkk3PjBfc6HC250puSUNH8Rsxi7ypx4UHDG6sYHVJvCqeZ1uuk9nk-2Bd7n9K6ZdFaSbrS33D3G2ZRZ1MOMVdxLVHVlUcpilU0d9rXUY-3Dada4_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yObG7DHCJPPcOL27llsl6BuEx4qdyAXWvPBaYs-2F-2F1bWNv6hah-2FYNvx4Ea-2FMIPKrkd-2FwWY1-2BKfhqZg3q9bFCp6Lkr8WjnnUI-2FG71fRj6YykaJDUkanNWQvaWfA8k-2Bwnj5t6zfplSk8pkZGlZTEtS3ACDe8Qsn17SjzZvjbMKwR3GFZ40J8zJWjBE2dUvQF5QdWv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/url4139.stolaf.edu\/ls\/click?upn%3Du001.V6CdS-2FJEBy-2F6VubkNCi8WJEjveMGDU7iwRQmWCoRmugsL-2FxU5wSa4mZD0vy9x45t2K5qQfkk3PjBfc6HC250puSUNH8Rsxi7ypx4UHDG6sYHVJvCqeZ1uuk9nk-2Bd7n9K6ZdFaSbrS33D3G2ZRZ1MOMVdxLVHVlUcpilU0d9rXUY-3Dada4_ngy-2FlhxSmGOh9V4J7GvxXapkmdAAUJSfWEYSusF4TkKZTpABo3KGhcIS7OW9K1yObG7DHCJPPcOL27llsl6BuEx4qdyAXWvPBaYs-2F-2F1bWNv6hah-2FYNvx4Ea-2FMIPKrkd-2FwWY1-2BKfhqZg3q9bFCp6Lkr8WjnnUI-2FG71fRj6YykaJDUkanNWQvaWfA8k-2Bwnj5t6zfplSk8pkZGlZTEtS3ACDe8Qsn17SjzZvjbMKwR3GFZ40J8zJWjBE2dUvQF5QdWv&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1789848372371000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1SZvM8YlLfJhcKuU2Mh5o5\">\u00a0<strong>guidance concerning student voting and political campaign activities at colleges and universities<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Questions about a proposed event, communication, or activity should be directed to the Office of the General Counsel before the activity occurs.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section__content -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!--.site-section__inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"site-panel__tab-content-2\" class=\"site-panel__tab-content  \" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"panel panel-child panel--type-wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--default\" data-depth=\"1\" data-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"columns\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content  site-section \" data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-name=\"column_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h5>Use of Campus Facilities<\/h5>\n<p>As a private college, St. Olaf permits recognized student groups to use campus facilities for certain partisan political purposes so long as such groups pay the usual and customary charges and otherwise comply with rules applicable to student groups and to use of campus facilities, in accordance with this and other campus policies.<\/p>\n<p>Student organizations are able to invite candidates for office to campus and host them with the intention of connecting with students and general voter engagement. All student organizations desiring to host a candidate on campus must execute a contract through the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/sa\/orgs\/contracts\/\">Office of Student Activities<\/a> a minimum of two weeks in advance of the scheduled visit. Departments interested in hosting a candidate must consult with <a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/generalcounsel\/\">General Counsel<\/a>\u00a0to execute a contract. Tabling spaces and other campus locations may not be reserved until a contract has been successfully completed.<\/p>\n<p>A student group that wishes to host a fundraiser for a political candidate, campaign committee, political action committee, PAC, \u201c527\u201d group or political party unit is not permitted to use campus facilities without charge. Doing so constitutes an in-kind campaign contribution from the college, which is not permitted by campaign finance laws. St. Olaf has established a reasonable charge for use of its facilities and these fees apply to recognized student groups wishing to host a fundraiser for an individual candidate, campaign committee, political action committee, PAC or 527 group. These fees must be paid either by an individual or by the campaign, committee, group or party directly. Student groups wishing to host campaign fundraisers are cautioned to coordinate with the individual candidate, committee, group or party regarding other fundraising expenses, such as food, beverages, and entertainment, to ensure they are reported and accounted for as required by applicable campaign finance laws. Again, SGA-allocated funds may not be used for any of these purposes.<\/p>\n<h5>Restriction on Use of Allocated Funds<\/h5>\n<p>St. Olaf provides allocation of funds collected from student services\u2019 fees to recognized student groups through a grants and co-sponsorship funding program through the relevant branch of the<a href=\"http:\/\/oleville.com\/\">\u00a0Student Government Association<\/a>. Allocated funds must be used for the recognized student group\u2019s own activities and may not be transferred to or spent to benefit any other organization, individual, or candidate. In addition, because of campaign finance laws, allocated funds may not be used to provide indirect or in-kind contributions to a particular candidate for public office, a campaign committee, political action committee, PAC, \u201c527\u201d group or a political party unit.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>An indirect contribution includes:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Paying expenses on behalf of the candidate, committee, group or party.<\/li>\n<li>Providing anything of value without charge, including services, printed materials, facilities, food &amp; drink, use of a computer, use of a mailing list, etc.<\/li>\n<li>Volunteer services are not considered an in-kind contribution and are permitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If a student group wishes to raise funds so that it can provide direct, indirect or in-kind support to candidates, campaign committees, political action committees, PACs, 527 groups or political party units, they are cautioned that this is an activity that is regulated by the campaign finance laws of Minnesota, for state-level candidates, and the Federal Elections Commission, for federal-level candidates. If a student group wishes to engage in this type of activity, they are encouraged to seek appropriate counsel to ensure compliance with campaign finance laws.<\/p>\n<h5>Political Campaign Postings<\/h5>\n<p>Literature and flyers regarding off-campus political campaigns, (i.e. US Congressional or Presidential campaigns; state or local offices) are permitted to be posted within the Commons but <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">must list the sponsoring recognized campus group<\/span>. Any postings advocating a particular issue must also identify the sponsoring groups. All postings must follow posting\/publicity guidelines listed above.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only St. Olaf College sponsored items may be mass stuffed per the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/postoffice\/poboxstuffing\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post Office Box policy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">; student organizations are no longer allowed to mass stuff P.O. boxes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5>On-Campus Election Campaigns<\/h5>\n<p>On-campus election campaigns (i.e. Student Government) must follow SGA Election guidelines. These can be obtained from SGA in the Office of Student Activities, BC 108.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section__content -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!--.site-section__inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"site-panel__tab-content-3\" class=\"site-panel__tab-content  \" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"panel panel-child panel--type-wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section site-panel__wysiwyg panel panel-wysiwyg site-section__bg--default\" data-depth=\"1\" data-js-panel=\"wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__inner l-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-section__content \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid site-grid__wrapper site-grid__wrapper-stagger\" data-depth=\"0\" data-name=\"columns\" data-livetext>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-grid__col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"site-panel__wysiwyg-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"t-content  site-section \" data-depth=\"0\" data-index=\"0\" data-autop=\"true\" data-name=\"column_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, thank you to candidates and elected officials for your service to our community!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second, St. Olaf College is committed to civic education and engagement, including encouraging meaningful interactions with candidates for public office and elected officials. To facilitate this while preserving public safety, we have developed this <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1v7dp71WDwTo4zQdfobiNu3UtZJW0EKm39REAkY0Zi-I\/edit?usp=sharing\">FAQ document for candidates, elected officials, and campus sponsors<\/a> to offer clarification and guidance. Policies may be updated at any time per the discretion of the college. Questions can be directed to Kelly Shirah, Campus Vote Coordinator, at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:shirah1@stolaf.edu\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">shirah1@stolaf.edu<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid__col -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-grid, .site-grid__wrapper -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section__content -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!--.site-section__inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .site-section -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>St. Olaf College is committed to civic education and engagement, including encouraging meaningful interactions with candidates for public office and elected officials; however, the context of the interactions and who [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2784,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1614","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1614","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2784"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1614"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1614\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1624,"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1614\/revisions\/1624"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/vote\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1614"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}