Election FAQs
We often field questions from parents and district employees on what they can and can't do to advocate for school ballot measures. We will post some of the more common questions here along with the full guidance document provided by the Arizona Attorney General's office.
Click Here for the full AZAG Guidelines
Can board members and school personnel openly express their opinion on school ballot measures?
YES, so long as they are outside the instructional setting and off-duty.
Board members, personnel and others acting on behalf of a school district, should feel free to express their opinions or preferences on elections outside the classroom or other instructional settings, or at school sponsored extracurricular events, such as athletic events, if they are not on duty or supervising or assisting with supervision or organization of the event. They may wear buttons, place bumper stickers on their cars, wear clothing with political messages, distribute flyers or information, make contributions, talk with neighbors, friends and members of the community, put up or display signs, make speeches and speak to community or civic groups or engage in any other political activity they choose to in noninstructional settings during non-duty time, as long as they are not using school district personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or other resources. Board members, personnel and others acting on behalf of a school district shall refrain from taking any action or making any statement that would suggest that they are acting on behalf of the school district.
Can board membes and personnel advocate for an election?
YES, so long as they are not on duty.
Board members, personnel or others acting on behalf of a school district may act as advocates, circulate petitions, and distribute election literature but only as private citizens, during non-duty time outside the classroom or other instructional settings, using their own or other private resources.
Board members, personnel or others acting on behalf of a school district may engage in these activities at school-sponsored extracurricular activities, such as athletic events, only if they are not on duty or supervising or assisting with supervision or organization of the event. Personnel must not represent that they are acting on behalf of the school district or charter school while engaged in activities to influence the outcomes of elections.
Can room parents insert election flyers in student folders to
carry home?
NO. Children cannot carry any election materials home from school.
Can the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts distribute election flyers as a community service project?
NO. Any distribution of material concerning a school ballot measure shall not be conducted by children enrolled in the school district.
Can I ask my child's teacher about ballot measures or legislative issues on campus?
School District Employees CAN:
School District Employees CANNOT:
If you are seeking a teacher's opinion as a private citizen, ask for their personal contact information, or give them your questions in writing and include your contact information so they can respond to you on their own time. You will find that most teachers are happy to share their personal views on issues outside of working hours/off campus.