In this context, the focus on a specific election issue for illustrative purposes is not inappropriate as long as the employee's presentation of the material does not support or oppose any particular candidate, petition or ballot measure. The Secretary of State's Office discourages the distribution of campaign advocacy material to public employees through a government mail or distribution system, regardless of the source of the materials. It is not a violation for a public employee, as part of their regular job duties to process incoming mail that may include political material addressed to employees. Salaried employees' work time is not as easily measured as that of hourly workers. Salaried employees must be careful during all appearances both after normal work day hours as well as during working hours.
Personal note keeping by salaried employees is suggested.
Also, during public appearances, the employee should specifically announce to the audience in what capacity they are speaking. Telephone Calls Incoming calls about measures must be answered in a strictly factual manner. While on the job during working hours, public employees should not make outgoing calls to solicit political scheduling opportunities, organize campaign events, notify the press or constituents, or initiate any other political activity. Website and Email Public employees are not to use the SOU campus mail system in any manner for political advocacy. An email that is supporting or opposing a petition, candidate or measure that is sent to a group of other employees or an agency or others would be a violation of the election law by the public employee who wrote and sent it.