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University of Michigan

Guidelines for Political Campaigns and Ballot Initiatives

To the University of Michigan Campus Community:

May 12, 2008

Many members of the University community have asked about their rights and responsibilities regarding campaigning for or against a candidate or ballot initiative. We have developed the following information to help you understand the many activities in which you may engage as members of our campus community, as well as those that are restricted by law.

First, Michigan law does not in any way restrict the ability of individuals, including members of the University community, to participate fully in political activities, provided they are acting on their own behalf and using their personal time and resources. However, Section 57 of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act prohibits public bodies and anyone acting for a public body from using public resources to influence a political campaign relating to a candidate election or to the qualification, defeat, or passage of a ballot proposal.

The law includes several exceptions that permit limited participation of University faculty, students, and staff in certain political activities. Here are some examples of the kinds of activities in which faculty, students, and staff may properly engage under the law:

• Conduct scholarly research on the effects of a ballot initiative on the University, on the state, on the economy, etc.
• Compile and assemble data and other factual information on the effects of a ballot proposal or on candidates' positions.
• Disseminate factual material and/or the results of scholarly research on a ballot proposal to news organizations and academic journals.
• Post factual material and/or the results of research on a ballot initiative to a University website.
• Plan conferences, forums, symposia or panel discussions, or invite guest speakers (including, in some circumstances, candidates) to campus, to discuss campaign-related issues.

Here are some examples of political activities that involve public resources and are therefore not permitted under Michigan law:

• Sending out a mass mailing using University stationery or postage or using a University-provided e-mail address to campaign for or against a ballot initiative or candidate running for office.
• Using a University copy machine to copy flyers supporting or opposing a ballot initiative or candidate.
• Conducting a political campaign from a University office or other University facility, or otherwise using University resources, such as a University-provided telephone, computer, e-mail address, etc., to conduct such a campaign.
• Purporting to carry on a political campaign in the name of the University.

Here are some examples of the kinds of activities that faculty, students, and staff may engage in as individuals on their own time, provided that they do not use University resources and do not say or imply they are acting on behalf of the University:

• Donate money to support or oppose a ballot initiative or political candidate.
• Act as a campaign volunteer by writing letters, making phone calls, knocking on doors, or distributing flyers in support of or opposition to a candidate or ballot proposal.
• Organize or attend rallies in support of or opposition to a political candidate or ballot proposal.
• Write letters to the editor or op-ed pieces relating to a political candidate or ballot initiative.
• Give speeches and participate in debates on a particular candidate or ballot proposal.
• Write to elected officials to express personal opinions on a candidate or ballot initiative.

Further information, including frequently asked questions and answers, has been posted to the University's website at http://www.vpcomm.umich.edu/guidelines/. Please direct additional questions to Maya R. Kobersy in the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel at (734) 764-0304 or mkobersy@umich.edu.

Sincerely,

Cynthia Wilbanks
Vice President for Government Relations

Gloria Hage
Interim Vice President and General Counsel