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Reproduction equipment such as copy machines, facsimile equipment, video equipment, audio equipment, or cameras owned by a governmental body are not permitted to be used.Ĥ.
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Telephones and telephone service owned or leased by the governmental body.ģ. Brochures may be distributed in parking lots or placed on vehicles parked in a public lot.Ģ. Political signs to expressly advocate a ballot issue, candidate, or political committee may not be placed on property or buildings owned or leased by the governmental bodies or on the public right-of-way. Subject to the exceptions noted above, the following are examples of prohibited activities for political purposes by governmental bodies. Salaried administrators may likewise attend functions as part of their official duties to provide information relevant to a ballot issue.ĮXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED USES OF PUBLIC FUNDS Similarly, elected officials may attend functions where they participate as speakers or panelists as part of their official duties to discuss political issues without violating the law. However, the governmental body may be required to substantiate this claim to the Board. For example, if there is a published policy permitting all members of the public to use meeting rooms, the rooms may be used by political committees subject to the same rules applicable to all other members of the public. Property of the political subdivision that is regularly available to the general public may be used for political purposes. The Board interprets the use of public moneys to include direct or indirect expenditure of funds by a governmental body, the use of any property, resource, or equipment owned by the governmental body, and utilization of staff time during regular working hours. The law does not prohibit "the state or the governing body of a political subdivision from expressing its opinion on a ballot issue through the passage of a resolution or proclamation." However, the resolution or proclamation may not be reproduced or distributed for promotional purposes by the state or political subdivision. Iowa Code §68A.505 prohibits the use of public funds for any political purpose, including the express advocacy of a ballot issue.
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To be most effective, the slate mailer should carry your message to the voter and not merely list your name in the ballot section of the mailer. How prominently will you be featured on the slate MAILER? Our slate mailers provide voters with a complete ballot guide so voters have a comprehensive list to consult when they cast their ballots. Slate mailers allow candidates to reach out to send a direct mail message to voters at a fraction of the cost of traditional direct mail.Ĭandidates also love our slate mailers because the text featuring and color photo gives them an opportunity to provide voters with details about themselves. Slate mailers provide voters with a coherent, targeted message to make the right decisions when they vote. A slate mailer is a comprehensive list of candidates and ballot measures recommended for election.
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