Step-by-Step Process to Report a Religion for Coercion or Voter Intimidation In the USA

 

Step 1 - Prepare Your Evidence

• Gather supporting documents, including internal Jehovah’s Witnesses manuals (Shepherd the Flock of God), publications (Keep Yourselves in God’s Love), and, if you have any, testimonies (like your own) that illustrate the allegations of political restrictions and penalties.
• Highlight the relevant text and take screenshots of the neutrality section in lvs (page 244) and the neutrality section in the elder manual (Chapter 18, Point 3) to send along with the PDFs of both books.
• Ensure all evidence is legible and organized for easy reference.

 

Step 2 - Report to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division can raise criminal charges due to voting suppression:

• • How to File a Complaint:
    • Toll-Free: 1-800-253-3931
    • TTY: 1-877-267-8971
    • Local: (202) 307-2767
    • Online: Submit a Complaint to the Civil Rights Division
    • By Mail:
      U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Voting Section 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20530  
    • By Phone:
  • What to Include:
    • Your contact information (optional, but helpful for follow-up).
    • A detailed description of the coercive practices.
    • Any supporting evidence (attachments for online submissions or copies for mail).

 

Step 3 - File a Complaint with the IRS

Here’s how to go after their 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status:

• • How to File a Complaint:
    • Download and fill out IRS Form 13909, "Tax-Exempt Organization Complaint (Referral) Form."
    • Send the form and supporting evidence to:
      Internal Revenue Service EO Classification Mail Code 4910DAL 1100 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75242  
    • Alternatively, fax the form to: (214) 413-5415.

 

Step 4 - Contact State Election Officials

Many states have laws against voter intimidation and mechanisms to report voting interference. Look up your state’s election office:

• • Use the National Association of Secretaries of State Directory to find contact information for state election offices: https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote

 

Step 5 - Notify Civil Rights Organizations

Civil rights organizations may assist in filing complaints or taking legal action:

• • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): File a Complaint
  • NAACP Legal Defense Fund: Contact the LDF

 

Step 6 - Consider Public Reporting or Media

If you can, contacting journalists or advocacy groups may bring public attention to the issue, pressuring authorities to act.

 

Download Templates:

 

 

Suggestions for Submission:

1. Ensure you include attachments as evidence, particularly pages from internal documents explicitly describing these policies.
2. Submissions can be sent via post to the ACNC address or electronically through their website's complaint form: ACNC Complaint Form.
3. Attach a concise summary of this letter if filing electronically, as online forms often have word limits.
4. Timeframes for ACNC responses vary but typically take several weeks; follow up if no acknowledgment is received within 14 days.

Additional Tips

• Anonymous Reporting: If you wish to remain anonymous, indicate this clearly in the complaint form or letter. However, anonymity might limit follow-up communication.
• Provide Context: Explain how the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ practices affect individuals, referencing specific examples of harm or infringement on rights.
• Be Patient: Investigations may take time, as the ACNC gathers evidence and reviews compliance with legal standards.