Question 1

In the context of political action what does nonpartisan mean?

Accepted Answer

In the context of political action, non-partisan means not supporting or controlled by a political party, special interest group, or the like[6]. Nonpartisan organizations in the United States are organized under United States Internal Revenue Code (501(c)) that qualifies certain non-profit organizations for tax-exempt status because they refrain from engaging in certain political activities prohibited for them[3]. The designation "nonpartisan" usually reflects a claim made by organizations about themselves, or by commentators, and not an official category per American law[3]. In non-partisan elections, political parties are irrelevant to providing services, and cooperation between elected officials belonging to different parties is more likely[4]. Non-partisanship looks like a receptivity to insight from many sources and a willingness to engage with people whose views differ significantly from yours[2].

Citations:
[1] https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2021-02/Elected_and_NonPartisan_Positions.pdf
[2] https://www.fcnl.org/updates/2020-07/what-does-nonpartisan-mean-2020
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonpartisanism_in_the_United_States
[4] https://www.nlc.org/partisan-vs-nonpartisan-elections/
[5] https://www.lwv.org/newsroom/news-clips/opinion-what-does-non-partisan-mean
[6] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonpartisan

Question 2

With respect to school board members, what does it mean to be non-partisan?

Accepted Answer

To be non-partisan with respect to school board members means that they do not identify with or are not controlled by any political party or special interest group[6]. Non-partisan school board members are not affiliated with any political party and do not engage in partisan politics[1]. They are not influenced by political agendas and are not expected to support any particular political party or ideology[2]. In non-partisan school board elections, candidates do not run under a political party and their party affiliation is not identified on the ballot[3]. This is done to ensure that school board members are elected based on their qualifications, experience, and commitment to education, rather than their political affiliation[5]. The non-partisan status of school boards is important in preserving the integrity of the education system and ensuring that the needs of students are put first[1].

Citations:
[1] https://www.njsba.org/news-publications/school-board-notes/january-10-2023-vol-xl-no-21/purnell-perspectives-the-importance-of-nonpartisan-boards-of-education/
[2] https://www.njsba.org/news-publications/reflections/reflections-preserving-the-non-partisan-status-of-school-boards/
[3] https://my.aasa.org/AASA/Resources/SAMag/2018/Jun18/Board-Savvy.aspx
[4] https://www.the74million.org/article/are-partisan-school-board-races-good-or-bad-legislation-heads-to-full-fl-senate-for-consideration/
[5] https://scholars.org/contribution/why-nonpartisan-versus-partisan-school-board-elections-do-not-tell-whole-story
[6] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/nonpartisan

Question 3

Can a non-partisan school board candidate accept money from a political party in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

According to the Michigan Secretary of State, a candidate for school board position in Michigan cannot accept money from political parties if they are nominated by the political party and placed on the general election ballot[1]. However, if the candidate is not nominated by the political party and is running without political party affiliation, they are not subject to the filing requirements of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act[2]. Therefore, a non-partisan school board candidate in Michigan can accept money from political parties only if they are not nominated by the political party and are running without political party affiliation. It is important to note that most states, including Michigan, do not allow party labels in school board races[3].

Citations:
[1] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/01mcalpine/III_Candidate_Filings_and_Financial_Disclosure_Req.pdf?rev=222b6caf862543a7aa1a74a10fcd1810
[2] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/11diljak/Web_SCHOOL_Brd_CAN.pdf?rev=5be9009ea25443bd99a8cf31c49e4701
[3] https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/more-states-consider-partisan-school-board-races-as-education-debates-intensify/2023/04
[4] https://www.mackinac.org/9096
[5] https://my.aasa.org/AASA/Resources/SAMag/2018/Jun18/Board-Savvy.aspx
[6] https://scholars.org/contribution/why-nonpartisan-versus-partisan-school-board-elections-do-not-tell-whole-story

Question 4

What are the campaign finance rules for non-partisan school board candidates in Michigan?

Accepted Answer

• A candidate who seeks a school board position in a school district with a pupil enrollment count of 2,401 or more is subject to the filing requirements of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act[1].
 • A nominating petition cannot be filed. Candidates nominated by the political party are placed on the general election ballot. Candidates without political party affiliation are not subject to the filing requirements of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act[2].
 • Individuals can make donations/contributions to state and local Candidate Committees, Political and Independent Committees (PACS), Super PACS, etc. There are limits on the amount of money that can be donated to a candidate in Michigan elections. The committee is the best source to find out how much can be contributed to their campaign[3].
 • The Michigan Campaign Finance Act (MCFA) provides rules for individuals who want to participate in Michigan elections. Contributions may be made with cash up to $20.00, a check, money order, or credit card. The committee is required to collect information from the donor, including their name and address[3].
 • School board elections in Michigan do not identify candidates by their party affiliation. Therefore, non-partisan school board candidates are not allowed to accept money from political parties if they are nominated by the political party and placed on the general election ballot[4][6].

It is important for non-partisan school board candidates in Michigan to be aware of the campaign finance rules and regulations to avoid running afoul of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act.

Citations:
[1] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/11diljak/Web_SCHOOL_Brd_CAN.pdf?rev=5be9009ea25443bd99a8cf31c49e4701
[2] https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/01mcalpine/III_Candidate_Filings_and_Financial_Disclosure_Req.pdf?rev=222b6caf862543a7aa1a74a10fcd1810
[3] https://mertsplus.com/mertsuserguide/index.php?n=MANUALS.AppendixQ
[4] https://www.mackinac.org/9096
[5] http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-act-388-of-1976.pdf
[6] https://scholars.org/contribution/why-nonpartisan-versus-partisan-school-board-elections-do-not-tell-whole-story

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