It is improper and unethical to use state equipment and state services such as offices, telephones, internet access accounts, copiers, fax machines, computers, postage, supplies, and staff time for campaign or personal purposes. Use of state equipment for these purposes holds potential civil and criminal liability. See, Colo. Const. art. XXVIII, § 9 (2)(a), Colo. Const. art. XXVIII, § 10, and § 1-45-117 (4), C.R.S. A member of the General Assembly is not prohibited from using state facilities or equipment to communicate or correspond with the member's constituents, family members, or business associates. See, § 24-18-106, C.R.S. Furthermore, the official state seal, measuring two and one-half inches in diameter, may only be used by the Secretary of State in an official capacity. However, the Secretary of State has issued rules regarding the use of copies of the state seal.
Use of state letterhead to endorse a political candidate
A very good friend of yours has decided to run for the office of Sheriff in your district. Although he has not asked you, he has hinted that he would really appreciate your support. You would like to send a letter of endorsement to your constituents who reside in that county using your official state legislative letterhead with the state seal on it, but you're not sure if that might violate the prohibitions on the use of state resources or the use of the state seal.
May you use your official letterhead with the state seal to write a letter of endorsement for a candidate for the office of county Sheriff?
The information on this page is presented as an informational service only and should not be relied upon as an official record of action or legal position of the State of Colorado, the Colorado General Assembly, or the Office of Legislative Legal Services.