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Erie County board members discuss whether election-board members may campaign for candidates
Summary
Board members asked about legal and ethical limits on campaigning by Erie County Board of Elections members; a board member summarized their understanding of state statute and cited examples from other counties, and no formal action was taken.
During the same meeting, a board member asked for clarity on what is legal, ethical or appropriate when a member of the Erie County Board of Elections campaigns for candidates.
A board member who researched the issue said their understanding was that state statute "only allows that, board of election member cannot be a member while running for office." The speaker said they were not an attorney and cited examples they recalled in which board members in other counties held partisan roles while serving on boards.
Another board member suggested discussing specifics privately; a staff member and others present referred to practice in other counties and said they had reached out to contacts at conferences and county offices for information. The board did not take formal action on the matter during the meeting.
The question was raised during board-member comments, not during the public comment period or as a formal agenda item, and the transcript records no formal guidance or written opinion from county counsel during the session.
