On June 11, 2026, Federal agents searched the offices of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative (OOC), a nonprofit organization engaged in voter registration and civic engagement. The searches became widely public in the following days. In response to the chilling impact of federal raids on nonprofits, Nonprofit VOTE had released the below statement.
At this time, Nonprofit VOTE sends a clear message to our network of nonprofits: at this time, it is perfectly permissible and legal for nonpartisan nonprofits to engage in voter registration and civic engagement work. For nonprofits worried about potential engagement from the FBI or federal government, we uplift the following resources from our trusted partners at Protect Democracy:
- What if…your organization is the subject of a congressional investigation?
- What if…your organization is served with a subpoena?
- What if…your organization is subject to a search warrant?
- What if … your organization receives a demand to disclose sensitive data?
- What if … your organization is concerned about asset freezes and forfeiture?
- What if…your organization is concerned about an IRS investigation?
Nonprofit VOTE Releases Statement on Recent Investigation Involving Ohio Nonprofit Organization
Nonprofits should not be deterred from lawful, nonpartisan voter engagement activities that strengthen communities and democracy
BOSTON, MA — Nonprofit VOTE issued the following statement from Executive Director Brian Miller regarding the recent federal investigation involving the Ohio Organizing Collective nonprofit engaged in voter outreach activities.
“We do not know all of the facts surrounding this matter, and it is important that any investigation be conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with due process. At this stage, the public has limited information about the purpose of the investigation or any conclusions that may ultimately be reached.
At the same time, nonprofit organizations across the country should not be discouraged from continuing lawful, nonpartisan voter engagement activities that serve their communities. Helping eligible citizens register to vote, providing accurate election information, and encouraging civic participation are longstanding and legally permissible activities carried out every day by charitable organizations nationwide.
Recent polling from Independent Sector conducted by Tunnl shows that 8 in 10 Americans agree that nonprofit organizations have a role in helping people in their communities register to vote. These activities help ensure that all eligible voters have access to the information and opportunities they need to participate in our democracy.
We are concerned that highly visible enforcement actions occurring in the months leading up to an election may create uncertainty or hesitation among nonprofits engaged in legitimate civic participation work. Organizations should not conclude from this situation that they must scale back or abandon lawful voter registration, voter education, or voter participation efforts. Nonpartisan civic engagement remains both permissible and valuable.
Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in connecting people to the democratic process, particularly communities that have historically faced barriers to participation. As this matter proceeds, we encourage care in distinguishing between any allegations that may be under investigation and the broader work performed by nonprofits across the country in compliance with state and federal law.
Nonprofit VOTE remains committed to supporting nonprofits in conducting effective, nonpartisan voter engagement activities, including voter registration, and will continue providing resources and guidance to help organizations carry out this work confidently and legally in advance of this year’s elections.”
For questions or comments, please reach out to Nonprofit VOTE Communications Director Kelsea-Marie Pym (kelsea@nonprofitvote.org).
Founded in 2006, Nonprofit VOTE celebrates 20 years of democracy-building and fostering a more inclusive democracy. By leveraging the vast reach and trusted relationships of nonprofits, Nonprofit VOTE aims to ensure all people are heard, particularly people currently underrepresented in the democratic process. Nonprofit VOTE provides nonpartisan resources to help nonprofits integrate voter engagement into their ongoing activities and services.
