The Campaign Finance Law (MGL c. 55) does not prohibit public employees from engaging in political activity, as long as such activity; 1) is not undertaken during work hours or otherwise using public resources, and 2) does not include soliciting or receiving political contributions.
The Campaign Finance Law prohibits all compensated state, county, and municipal employees from:
- Selling tickets to a political fundraiser or otherwise soliciting or collecting contributions in any manner, including in person, by phone, by email or by conventional mail.
- Serving as treasurer of a political committee.
- Allowing the employee’s name to be used in a fundraising letter, advertisement, phone call or e-mail.
- Helping identify people to be targeted for political fundraising.
- Sponsor or host a political fundraising event.
A public employee may:
- Contribute to candidates and attend fundraisers.
- Run for office (an employee must organize a campaign committee if he or she plans to raise any money).
- Work for campaigns and committees in a non-fundraising capacity, such as holding signs, stuffing envelopes, hosting coffees or other meetings, or being a member of a committee.
The Massachusetts Conflict of Interest Law (MGL c. 268A) prohibits all state, county, and municipal employees, whether compensated or not, from:
- Using any public resources or facilities, or the state seal or coat of arms, for campaign purposes.
- Engaging in any campaign activities during normal public working hours.
- Representing a campaign (or anyone else) in connection with some matter in which the employee’s own level of government (state or local) has direct substantial interest (unless they are “special employees”).
For more information, contact the Office of Campaign and Political Finance or the State Ethics Commission.
Complete text of the Campaign Finance Law (MGL c. 55)