San Mateo County Municipal Code Ch. 2.73 Political Activities

County officers and employees shall not engage in prohibited political activities during working hours nor engage in prohibited political activities on County premises.

(Ord. 4324, 08/15/06)

For the purposes of this chapter the following terms shall be defined as set forth in this section.

(a) "Working hours" means all assigned hours of employment. Designated lunch breaks, rest breaks, holidays, vacation and leaves of absence shall not constitute "working hours" hereunder.

(b) "County premises" means all property owned or controlled by the County other than areas open to the public.

(c) "Political activity" means support or opposition to any candidate for elective office or any issue appearing on an election ballot.

(Ord. 4324, 08/15/06)

The following political activities shall be prohibited acts by County officers or employees if conducted during working hours or on County premises:

(a) Use of County staff, services, funds, telephones, automobiles, stationery, equipment or supplies, including but not limited to copying machines, word processing equipment, or intra-departmental mails.

(b) Distribution or posting of political literature other than regularly distributed or posted newsletters, the regular focus of which is not political.

(c) Wearing of political buttons, pins or banners in instances where the County employee or officer's duties require him or her to meet the public.

(d) Direct or indirect solicitation of political funds or contributions.

(Ord. 4324, 08/15/06)

No County officer shall use his or her position with the County to attempt to coerce another County officer or employee concerning their support or opposition of a political candidate or ballot measure either by threat of discipline or demotion, or promise of promotion or other benefit.

(Ord. 4324, 08/15/06)

Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter may be grounds for disciplinary action. The criminal penalty provisions of this code, shall also apply to any violations of this chapter.

(Ord. 4324, 08/15/06)