Group 3

Can I campaign for a candidate?

Yes. 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 work for any political candidate or campaign.

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

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:

• Serving as a Poll Worker (member of a polling place election board ): The State Election Code prohibits City officers and employees from serving on an Election Board. This rule applies to all state and local government employees in Pennsylvania. It does not matter if the position is elected (Judge of Elections, Majority or Minority Inspector) or appointed (Clerk, Machine Operator).

Serving on an Election Board may also violate the Charter's dual employment ban and/or the prohibition on serving as a candidate for elected office or an officer of a political party.

• 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.