Distraction: PAC donations are voluntary. You only give if you choose to.

Fact: Renewal forms bury “optional” PAC donations as pre-checked defaults — and add mandatory advocacy or activism fees with little transparency. Members shouldn’t have to opt out of hidden charges or pay non-optional fees that underwrite politics against Article 10 of the Code of Ethics.

---

The Myth of Choice

On paper, RPAC donations are “voluntary.” In practice, REALTORS® know the game is rigged. When dues renewals come up, optional contributions are pre-checked by default — meaning members are charged unless they actively catch and uncheck the box.

Even worse, some states tack on mandatory “advocacy” or “activism” fees with no opt-out at all.

What This Really Means

• Tricked, not volunteered. Pre-checked boxes aren’t free will; they’re a trap.
• Mandatory politics. Non-optional advocacy fees funnel money toward political activity, whether you agree or not.
• Lack of transparency. Members are rarely told how these funds are used — or if they’re underwriting candidates who openly oppose diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Why This Violates Our Values

Article 10 of the REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires that REALTORS® stand against discrimination in all its forms. Forcing members to bankroll candidates or groups who undermine those protections isn’t just unfair — it’s unethical.

The Call to Action

• Demand true voluntarism. No more pre-checked defaults, no more hidden traps.
• End mandatory political fees. REALTORS® should never be forced to pay into advocacy funds they can’t control.
• Reconnect to Article 10. PAC fundraising practices must meet the same ethical standard we are held to in our daily work.

Bottom Line

If PAC donations are truly voluntary, then give members a real choice. Stop hiding defaults, stop tacking on mandatory fees, and stop using REALTORS®’ money to fund candidates who violate Article 10.