A Letter from the Executive Director

Family First, the Nebraska public policy associate of Focus on the Family, has published a voter guide for the 2006 November elections.  We view this project as an important part of fulfilling our mission to equip citizens to become informed contributors in the civic arena.  Click on the links to below to download the voter guide.  As you can see, we do not endorse candidates, but simply indicate where they stand on a variety of important issues.

During election years, questions arise regarding the legality of distributing voter guides at church.  The purpose of this letter is to assure you that churches may distribute voter guides as long as the guides do not reflect a partiality which could be misunderstood as an endorsement of a particular party or candidate.  Following the guidelines listed below will help ensure that a voter guide meets IRS rules:

• The questions should cover a wide variety of issues
• The survey used to compile the guide should be sent to all candidates
• Plus or minus ratings should not be used to indicate whether a candidate voted “pro-family” or “anti-family”
• The survey should not be published under the direction or control, direct or indirect, of any candidate
• The guide should not endorse a particular candidate or party
• The guide should not mention any political action committee
• The responses should be published in a neutral, unbiased and complete summary of the candidate’s position

The Family First voter guide complies with all of these guidelines.  Our prayer is that people would study the guide and make prayerful, informed choices about who to elect for public office.  If you would like a more detailed overview about political and legislative guidelines for churches and pastors (beyond distribution of voter guides), please give me a call at 402-435-3210, or send me an e-mail at dave(at)familyfirst.org.

Dave Bydalek, J.D.
Executive Director
Family First