By my understanding, as a part of being tax exempt, churches are not allowed to endorse or ask parishioners to vote for candidates. In federal tax law, it is illegal for a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization (which includes churches) to “participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements) any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.” This is made crystal clear, in no uncertain terms.
And yet we have churches across the country endorsing Obama or McCain. Why shouldn't these churches all lose their tax exempt status? Why is this illegal behavior tolerated?
My opinion is simple: if it's best for the state to not play favorites with religion, then religion should return the favor. If your pastor, priest, rabbi, imam, or other religious leader starts asking parishioners to vote for someone, turn him (or her) in.
You can report violations here:
Report A Violation | Project Fair Play