Business Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 60: Personnel
Political Activity of WSU Employees
BPPM 60.90
For more information contact:
Government Relations
509-335-6292
Allowed Political Activity
Employees may engage in political activity including campaigning for political office for themselves or other candidates if the time devoted to these activities does not interfere with their conduct of University duties. Employees may also campaign for or against ballot initiatives with the same restrictions.
On their own time, an employee may campaign for or against a political candidate or ballot initiative including distribution of campaign material, speaking about a political candidate or a ballot initiative, and otherwise working for or against any candidate or ballot measure, subject to the limitations regarding public property described in BPPM 20.35.
An employee may respond to a political inquiry by providing routine factual information, such as the address of a candidate.
On their own time, an employee may participate in the management of a political campaign or may hold any office within a political party.
An employee may solicit voluntary campaign contributions to support or oppose a political candidate or ballot initiative, on their own time, subject to the limitations regarding public property described in BPPM 20.35. (RCW 41.06.250)
An employee may make personal campaign contributions. No University funds, regardless of the source, may be used to contribute toward a political campaign.
Employees may request leave for campaign activity using regular leave request procedures.
- Classified staff refer to BPPM 60.57.
- Other WSU employees refer to the Faculty Manual and to BPPM 60.56.
Soliciting Contributions
Campaigning includes soliciting campaign contributions to support or oppose a political candidate or a ballot initiative.
WSU Employees Paid From Federal Funds
A WSU employee whose salary is supported with federal funds is not subject to the federal Hatch Act provisions restricting political activity but must comply with any WSU restrictions regarding political activity.
Federal Employees
Federal employees attached to WSU are subject to all of the provisions of the federal Hatch Act restricting political activity and to any WSU restrictions regarding political activity.
Use of Facilities
Refer to BPPM 20.35 for important restrictions on the use of WSU facilities, grounds, equipment, and services for political activity.
Guidelines on Political Activity
Faculty, staff, and students may obtain a copy of Guidelines on Political Activity from the Office of Government Relations; telephone 509-335-5756 from all WSU campuses.
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Revisions: Jan. 2018 (Reviewed); July 1990 – new policy (Rev. 81).