Group 1

Most Employees & Officers in Administrative & Executive Branches

Members of Boards & Commissions that exercise significant powers of government

Can I campaign for a candidate?

Yes, but it depends on the candidate. As long as you are off duty, not in uniform, not using City resources, not on City owned or leased property, and do not use your City title, you may volunteer in a non-managerial capacity for a non-local candidate or campaign.

For more information about prohibited campaigns and other permissible and prohibited political activity, please see below.

Local Campaigns

You may volunteer for any candidate or campaign that does NOT appear on the list below:

▶ Mayor

▶ District Attorney

▶ City Commissioner

▶ City Council

▶ City Controller

▶ Register of Wills

▶ Sheriff

▶ Elected poll officer in Philadelphia

▶ Judge of the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas or Municipal Court

▶ State Senator or Representative in any district that includes part of the City

Permissible Activity

You may vote in an election and register as a member of a political party.

As long as you are off duty, not in uniform, not using City resources, not on City owned or leased property, and do not use your City title, you may also:

  • give money to a candidate, party, or political group;

  • sign a nominating petition;

  • express your personal political views;

  • attend a political fundraiser or rally as a spectator;

  • display a candidate’s campaign sign in your yard;

  • campaign for or against a ballot question;

  • wear a campaign button;

  • talk about your personal political opinions; and

  • participate in non-managerial volunteer activity for non-local campaigns

Prohibited Activity

You are not allowed to engage in any political activity while you are:

  • on duty,

  • in uniform,

  • using City resources

  • on City-owned or City-leased property, OR

  • using your City title or position.

You also are strictly prohibited from engaging in the following:

  • Political management: You cannot be involved in the management of a political party, campaign, or partisan political group. For example, you cannot:

    • serve as a party official (e.g. committeeperson, ward leader, delegate);

    • serve as a poll worker (member of a polling place election board );

    • be an officer of a partisan political group;

    • be a campaign manager for any candidate for elective office; or

    • supervise or direct campaign workers.

  • Political fundraising: You cannot be involved in political fundraising. This means you cannot ask for or collect political contributions. You also cannot help plan or promote political fundraisers, even if you are a friend or relative of the candidate. You cannot be the treasurer of a political committee.

  • Running for public office: Before you run for public office, you must first resign from City employment. This restriction applies even if you are on leave from your position. This resign-to-run rule also applies to elected positions on an Election Board, such as judge of elections and inspector.