As we enter the final countdown for this year's election, I thought I'd send out a reminder about city employee 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.
Attached for your reference, you will find:
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.