Electioneering Guidelines

Candidates

No. As a 501C(3) organization, PTOs are prohibited from becoming directly or indirectly involved in the campaigns of political candidates.

Bond Issues

Yes. As a 501C(3) organization, PTOs may engage in advocating for or against ballot initiatives - which include bond issues.

Yes. PTOs may make contributions to any organization supporting a ballot issue. PTOs must file a special election under Section 10h, which allows them to expend up to 20 percent of their expenditures – where total expenditures are less than $500,000 per year.

A note on timing: PTOs may not solicit or accept cash or other campaign contributions on school property during the hours in which classes are in session.

Advocacy Materials

No. PTOs may not use district resources to prepare, post, sort or distribute
any materials or information that express a position on a candidate or ballot measure.

Rockwood Communication Materials

Yes. Rockwood will produce informational materials that are factual responses about a ballot issue. PTOs may distribute these print and electronic messages as posted on the district website. All distributed written material must include a “Paid for by” statement.

Yes. PTO email/social media accounts are NOT owned by the district. All PTOs may use these resources to share information and advocate their position on a bond issue.

During School Hours

No. School property is a district resource and may not be used for political activities during the hours when school is in session. As a result, PTOs should host their meetings after school hours, IF members plan to advocate for the bond issue. In addition, PTOs may not post banners, signs, etc. on district property that support or oppose a ballot measure while school is in session.

After School Hours

Yes. PTOs may request to set up a table for the purpose of informing the community of their position on a ballot measure during events held after school hours

Yes. PTOs may wear political clothing, buttons or stickers as long as they are appropriate for the school setting and do not cause a disruption to the learning environment.

Yes. PTO members may state their organization’s position with respect to a ballot issue – as long as they are not using district resources. PTOs may also encourage citizens to register to vote and give them information on registration.

Yes. PTO members may work at the polls, distribute campaign literature on behalf of a bond issue, telephone prospective voters and assist with mailings as long as they are not using District resources.

No.  Campaign information that advocates for or against a ballot issue shall not be included in PTO information that is directly sent through district information systems, which are district resources.

Yes. All individuals have first amendment rights to exercise their freedom of speech to advocate for or against a political candidate or ballot issue.