Raising Funds for a Candidate
Unions however are limited in their ability to raise funds directly for the candidate, though it can encourage members to support him or her in the upcoming race or to contribute to COLCPE. Only a candidate can initiate "passing the hat" for the campaign; if the union initiates this, the money collected must go to COLCPE. The candidate is allowed to leave contact information and mailing envelopes at the union hall for members.

Endorsing Candidates
Endorsement of a candidate can be announced at the candidate appearance or in communication with members. A union can also announce its endorsement (and rationale for that endorsement) to regular press contacts after the endorsement has been made. An endorsement cannot be coordinated with a candidate or his campaign.

Get-Out-The-Vote
NALC and other unions can conduct voter registration and Get-Out-The-Vote efforts advocating that members, staff, and family members register for a particular political party or vote for a specified slate of candidates, and can use Treasury funds for these activities. Labor unions can also distribute voter information produced by official election administrators—absentee ballot applications and register-by-mail materials. Also, a union cannot provide or deny transportation to a polling place or voter registration office based on support of a particular candidate or registration with a particular political party. Again, these must be done only for members and their families if Treasury funds are to be used.

For More Information
If you have any questions, feel free to contact your Regional Field Coordinator at 202-393-4695 (upon answer press 22), the Hatch Act unit of the Office of Special Counsel, or the Federal Election Commission.