Campaign Practices

WHAT IS CAMPAIGNING?

Any attempt by an individual or group to engage students, staff, parents or community members for a political objective is considered campaigning. This may include distributing pamphlets, emailing schools, requesting to speak to students and staff or parents, posting signs, or wearing campaign buttons and shirts. Campaigning in or through Division schools is not allowed.

CAN A SITTING COUNCILLOR OR TRUSTEE VISIT A SCHOOL DURING AN ELECTION PERIOD?

Yes, if the visit is non-partisan and serves an educational purpose. For example, a politician may be invited to provide information on the election process, or bring greetings at a school opening or other event.

CAN A CANDIDATE ATTEND A SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING OR OTHER PUBLIC MEETING HOSTED BY THE SCHOOL?

Yes. However, the candidate cannot campaign on Division property.

CAN A SCHOOL COUNCIL INVITE CANDIDATES TO SPEAK TO SCHOOL COUNCIL?

A school council may organize a meeting to which all officially registered candidates for a particular office (for example: Ward Trustee or Ward Councillor) are invited. Candidates are considered officially registered once added to Edmonton Election’s Register of Candidates. All candidates must be provided equal speaking time and treatment.

CAN THE SCHOOL HOST AN ALL-CANDIDATES MEETING FOR STUDENT EDUCATION PURPOSES?

Yes. All registered candidates for a particular office, (for example: Ward Trustee), must be invited. The meeting should be for the education of students only. Candidates should speak about their platform only and not criticize others.

CAN STAFF WORK ON A CAMPAIGN FOR A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE?

Yes, a staff member is an elector. However, Division employees may not engage in partisan or campaign activities of any kind while on Division property or during work hours. No Division resources (phone, computer, email, photocopier) can be used for partisan political activity.

Once elected, the Board of Trustees is in effect the Division employer and therefore, employees should govern their campaign-related activities accordingly.