In light of upcoming elections, the Office of Human Resources sends a friendly reminder regarding election activity in the workplace.

Oregon law prohibits the use of public funds, equipment and supplies to advocate for or against a ballot measure or candidate and restricts what public employees, which includes University of Oregon employees, may do in support of or opposition to a ballot measure or candidate.

Public employees on their work time may not:

• Collect funds, distribute campaign materials or prepare correspondence on behalf of a political committee, ballot measure, or candidate.
• Produce, copy or distribute documents that advocate for or against a ballot measure or a candidate.
• Post website information, transmit emails or make a presentation that advocates for or against a ballot measure or candidate.
• Make outgoing calls to schedule or organize campaign events or other political activity.
• Encourage others to volunteer for a political committee or efforts related to a candidate or ballot measure.
• Place political posters in a public work space or facing out on doors or windows.
• Distribute political flyers.

Public employees may:

• Use personal time, lunch hours, breaks and days off for political activity.
• Express personal political views.
• Wear campaign buttons at work.
• Provide balanced, objective information on ballot measures.
• Impartially advise other public employees about possible effects of a ballot measure.
• Use personal time and personal equipment to write letters in their personal capacity expressing an opinion on a ballot measure or candidate.

Reference to university policy is available on the political activities webpage on the HR website. For further clarification or questions, contact HR at 541-346-3159.