The Arkansas Political Practices Act (A.C.A. ยงยง7-1-101-104), as supplemented by Governor’s Policy Directive 9, prohibits state employees from devoting time or labor during usual office hours toward the campaign of candidates for office or for nomination to office. The circulation of initiative or referendum petitions during usual office hours or while on duty is also prohibited.
Candidates for office are prohibited from using any office or room furnished at public expense for a political headquarters or for sending out or distributing any letters, circulars, or other campaign literature, and the policy directive prohibits the display of campaign literature in state offices. It is unlawful for any campaign banners, cards, or campaign literature (including bumper stickers) to be placed on any vehicles belonging to the state, and the policy directive extends the prohibition to personal vehicles when being used in the performance of official duties for which reimbursement by the state will be made. In addition to being covered by state law and administrative policy, there are other specific limitations under the Federal Hatch Act that apply to employees whose salaries are either partially or totally paid from federal funds.
Recognized university organizations and departments may invite candidates for public office to speak on campus property or in campus facilities, provided the meeting is limited to members of the campus community and is not promoted to the general public. Should the general public be invited to attend, reasonable equal speaking opportunities must be made available to all other candidates for the same political office, or reasonable equal access should be extended to all other candidates to use the property or facilities. For further details, see UCA’s space utilization policy (Board of Trustees policy #400).
Specific questions or concerns regarding political activities should be directed to the University Counsel.