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Outside counsel briefs Mercer Island council on campaign use of public resources and social media rules
Summary
City council received a legal briefing on state restrictions for elected officials’ use of public office, facilities and resources during campaigns, including guidance on social media, public comment and exceptions for ballot measures.
Ann Marie Soto, outside counsel from Madrona Law, told Mercer Island City Council on July 15 that state law generally bars elected officials and employees from using public office, facilities or resources to assist election campaigns, but outlined narrow exceptions and practical steps elected officials should follow.
Soto said the primary statutory authority for the rules is RCW 42.17A.555 and that additional guidance comes from the Washington Administrative Code and the Public Disclosure Commission. “Anything that essentially the city pays for — agency letterhead, postage, computers, office space, meeting space — those are things that are not allowed to be used for campaign purposes,” Soto said.
The briefing explained why public comment at a council meeting is not an appropriate forum for campaign…
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