Missouri general election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The August 4 primary has already passed. If your congregation is going to run a registration drive, the window is now.

Read this caveat before you rely on anything in this section. The Johnson Amendment — the rule barring 501(c)(3) organizations from endorsing or opposing candidates — has been the subject of recent IRS action and litigation. In July 2025 the IRS, in a court filing, sought to recharacterize pulpit endorsements as “a family discussion concerning candidates.” In March 2026 a case challenging Johnson Amendment protections was dismissed. The landscape has moved recently and could move again. Confirm current status with counsel before relying on any summary, including this one.

With that said, here is the long-standing framework as published by the sources below.

Generally permitted: allowing candidates to address the congregation with equal opportunity given to all candidates; arranging transportation to the polls without influencing vote choice; serving as a polling place; hosting candidate forums; distributing nonpartisan voter guides showing candidates’ positions; supporting voter registration; discussing policy issues theologically and independent of party; promoting civic participation.

Generally prohibited: endorsing or opposing candidates or parties; permitting campaign fundraising during services; soliciting campaign donations; telling congregants how to vote; running candidate or party advertising in your communications; giving your membership roster to only one political entity; producing campaign materials; restricting access to a campaign event in a way that favors one candidate.

On you, personally. IRS Publication 1828 states that the prohibition “isn’t intended to restrict free expression on political matters by leaders of churches or religious organizations speaking for themselves, as individuals” — but leaders “can’t make partisan comments in official organization publications or at official church functions,” and should “clearly indicate that their comments are personal and not intended to represent the views of the organization.” Note the revision date on that document is August 2015, and it may not reflect current IRS enforcement posture.