Advocacy Do’s and Don’ts

By Dr. Jeanene Barnett, CCOSA Education Policy and Research Analyst

Oklahoma law (26 O.S. § 16-119) states: “Any official in this state who shall direct or authorize the expenditure of any public funds under his care, except as specifically authorized by law, to be used either in support of, or in opposition to, any measure which is being referred to a vote of the people by means of the initiative or referendum, or which citizens of this state are attempting to have referred to a vote of the people by the initiative or referendum, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and the office held by such party shall be adjudged vacant and shall be filled in the manner prescribed by law.”

DO’s

■ Do use personal time and resources to advocate for or against candidates, petitions or ballot questions.

■ Do discuss political issues or campaigns that directly benefit your school or organization with others on your personal time. Be informed!

■ Do campaign door-to-door on your own time.

■ Do send personal emails and/or letters from home, using your own computer, paper and postage.

■ Do donate personal resources to a campaign.

■ Do place a campaign bumper sticker on a personal vehicle.

■ Do follow local policies regarding the sharing of neutral, informational materials that do not advocate for or against a candidate, petition or ballot measure.

■ Do grant employees who are registered voters time to vote (up to two hours of time or more if needed given the employee’s distance from the voting place) during the period when the election is open. 26 O.S. §7-101.

DON’Ts

■ Don’t use school resources (including property, time or funds) for election-related purposes.

■ Don’t use school phones and email in order to support or oppose a candidate for office, petition or ballot question.

■ Don’t post on social media to advocate for/against candidates or ballot measures while on contract time; follow your school’s social media policy.

■ Don’t post or distribute campaign materials in any building or property owned, leased or maintained by the State of Oklahoma, except as otherwise permitted by law.

■ Don’t campaign for or against a candidate or proposed ballot measure during time you are on the clock – including phone calls and/or emails.

■ Don’t send home information with students supporting or opposing a candidate for office, petition or ballot measure.

■ Don’t permit supporters to utilize school property during the school day or during school activities to campaign or solicit signatures for a petition.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS MAY:

■ Teach about the referendum and election process.

■ Conduct mock elections and voter registration drives.

■ Encourage students to debate and discuss electoral issues.

■ Host and/or facilitate candidate or issue forums on school property.

■ Provide information to employees and district patrons about impacts of legislation and/or a ballot measure.

■ Spend money to encourage people to vote and remind them of election dates - post election dates on school marquee, social media and school message systems, etc. ■

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