As you are all aware, political campaigns are underway throughout the region, state and country. I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the City’s regulations regarding employees’ participation in political activities.
Employees have the right to participate in political activities on their own time but not during or in the course of their work. In addition, employees may not use City resources (i.e. email, office supplies, copiers, employee time, etc.) for or in support or opposition of political activities, including supporting a candidate or advocating for a ballot measure.
Certain regulations have been adopted to assure that the City’s resources are applied appropriately and to ensure that employees do not feel compelled to participate in political activities.
Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 2.44.100 through 2.44.130 describing the regulations pertaining to employee political activity
“Do’s and Don’ts for City Officials and Employees” prepared by the League of California Cities. Although this document was prepared regarding a ballot measure the League was proposing, the regulations are also relevant to our local political activities
The city’s rules for campaign signs.
City Clerk Services Manager Sheila Cobian is happy to answer questions related to this information. She can be reached at 760-434-2808.
Check out this clarification sent on Sept. 10, 2018.
Recently the City Manager provided information intended to clarify restrictions on political activity by employees. Generally, city employees may engage in political activity on their own time, as evidenced in Carlsbad Municipal Code ("CMC") section 2.44.110. However, CMC section 2.44.130 has caused some confusion. That section prohibits council members from soliciting from employees. That remains the case. It also states that council candidates cannot receive contributions from city employees. That is only true at work. The CMC must be harmonized with California Government Code section 3205 which is the ultimate authority and preempts city codes. Government Code section 3205 does not ban candidates from receiving unsolicited contributions from employees. It also does not prohibit candidates from soliciting employees "if the solicitation is part of a solicitation made to a significant segment of the public which may include officers or employees of [the city]."