Political Activity Do's and Don'ts

Prohibited Political Activity for Spouses of Candidates

Prohibited Political Activity for Spouses of Candidates

There are many activities in which a classified spouse may engage to support the candidate spouse without offending the goals of the political activity restrictions Here are some activities that spouses of candidates may and may not engage in. For specific questions, contact state Civil Service.

YOU MAY:

  • appear in a photograph with your spouse who is a candidate for elected office
  • serve as host or hostess at your home for a party in support of your spouse's candidacy, but you may not take an active part in soliciting campaign contributions
  • attend a fundraiser or other political or social event with your spouse, and support the campaign - short of soliciting contributions - while there
  • allow community funds to be used to support the campaign

YOU MAY NOT

  • place a bumper sticker supporting your spouse on the vehicle that your usually drive
  • wear, use, display, or distribute fliers, shirts, hats, stickers, or any other material supporting your spouse, unless you are with your spouse at a political or social event
  • solicit contributions, whether you are with your spouse or not; or participate in any type of campaign support while at work or on duty
  • personally sell anything - including food- at any function that supports your spouse's campaign
Prohibited Political Activity

Prohibited Political Activity - general

Prohibited Political activity is defined generally as any effort to support or oppose the election of a candidate or political party at the local, state, or national level.

This document does not substitute for the detailed guidance regarding political activity. Visit the publications tab at civilservice.louisiana.gov for the most recent general circular.

YOU MAY

  • serve as a poll commissioner or official watcher on behalf of a governmental entity at the polls
  • belong to a group that endorses a candidate as long as the group's sole purpose isn't political and you're not managing its affairs
  • attend election night parties that are not primary elections to be followed by a run-off, victory parties, or inaugural celebrations that are not fundraising events
  • sell services you regularly offer at fair market value to candidates or political entities even if it requires attendance at a fundraiser
  • publicly support or oppose issues of public debate or election that do not involve candidates or political entities
  • attend a free public function where all of the candidates for a public office are invited to speak or present their views

YOU MAY NOT

  • become a candidate for election to public office or vote at the caucus or convention of a candidate or political entity
  • become a member of any political committee or take an active role in the management of a campaign or political entity
  • solicit contributions, volunteer time, or attend fundraising events supporting or opposing any candidate or political entity
  • prepare or distribute campaign material or solicit votes for or against any candidate or political entity
  • publicly support or oppose a candidate or political entity including wearing hats, t-shirts, or other promotional items
  • display a sign on your property or place a bumper sticker on your vehicle supporting or opposing any candidate or political entity

Prohibited Political Activity and Social Media

Social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and others have become part of everyday life where we can freely offer opinions and support causes important to us. However, state employees may not actively engage on the official or unofficial social media page of a candidate for nomination or election to political office, political party, or faction of a political party.