With political campaigns getting into full swing, it’s time to remind university employees of workplace rules related to political activity.

While UO workers have all the rights of other citizens to engage in campaigns and discussions of issues and candidates, state law places limits on the kind of activity that can take place during paid work hours. Those rules include restrictions on the use of university computers or other property.

In general, university employees cannot collect money, hand out campaign materials or work on behalf of a candidate, ballot measure of political committee during work hours. Also, university time or equipment can’t be used to produce or distribute advocacy materials or to post website materials, send emails or make presentations for or against candidates or ballot measures.

But employees can use personal time — including lunch hours, breaks and days off — to engage in political activities. They also can express personal views and wear campaign buttons at work, provide balanced information on ballot measures and impartially advise others about possible effects of ballot measures.

And employees can use personal time and equipment to write letters in their capacity as private citizens expressing views on measures and candidates.

A number of resources are available for those with questions about campaign rules, both for workers and for those seeking office. The state offers this quick card to provide an easy reference, and this manual for more detailed information.

The UO’s Department of Government and Community Relations also has a website describing the rules, as well as information on lobbying disclosure rules and other aspects of political advocacy here.

While the university does not take positions on political matters, it provides a forum to individuals and candidates from across the political spectrum. The campus already has hosted events by Republican gubernatorial candidate Dennis Richardson and Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, and the School of Law will host a debate between Fourth District Rep. Peter DeFazio, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Art Robinson on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

—By Greg Bolt, Public Affairs Communications