What happens if a candidate attends a Section 501(c)(3) organization event that is open to the public? A candidate may choose to attend an event that is open to the public, such as a lecture, concert or worship service. The candidate’s presence at an organization-sponsored event does not, by itself, cause the organization to be engaged in prohibited political campaign activity. However, if the candidate is publicly recognized by the organization, or invited to speak it may cause the organization to be engaged in prohibited political campaign activity. See Inviting Candidate to Speak for more details.
