May a legislator mail unsolicited voter registration materials at public expense, urging constituents to register absentee and return form to Secretary of State?

Print Version | No está disponible en español

Inside the Legislature

		Find Your Legislator
		Visiting the Legislature
		Agendas, Schedules and Calendars
		Bill Information

	Advisory Opinions
	Complaint Opinions

Type	Advisory Opinion
Date	5/20/2004
Number	04-02
Topic	Normal and Regular Conduct - Voter Registration
Issue/Question	May a legislator mail unsolicited voter registration materials at public expense, urging constituents to register absentee and return form to Secretary of State?
Summary	No. The Act prohibits use of public resources to directly or indirectly assist a campaign. Legislators have greater flexibility under the Act to respond to a constituent than to initiate communication. Exceptions to the prohibition on use of public resources are strictly construed. While some officials have direct statutory responsibilities associated with voter reigistration, it is not "normal and regular conduct" for legislators to use public resources to get out the vote. RCW 42.52.180.
	View this publication in Acrobat (PDF) Format