§ 2-118. Political activity.

(a)

Every employee of the county has a civic responsibility to support good government by every available means and in every appropriate manner. Each employee may join or affiliate with civic organizations of a partisan or political nature, may attend political meetings, and may advocate and support the principles or policies of a civic or political organization in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the State of North Carolina and in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the United States of America. However, no employees shall:

(1)

Engage in any political or partisan activity while on duty or within any period of time during which they are expected to render services for which they receive compensation from the county;

(2)

Use official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election or nomination for office;

(3)

Be required, as a duty of their office or employment, or as a condition for employment, promotion or tenure of office, to contribute funds for political or partisan purposes;

(4)

Solicit, or act as custodian of, funds for political or partisan purposes while on duty as an employee of the county;

(5)

Coerce or compel contributions while on duty as an employeee of the county from another employee for political or partisan purposes;

(6)

Use any supplies or equipment of the county for political purposes; and

(7)

Permit political advertising at any county facility or on any county property including political advertisements attached to county vehicles.

(b)

Constitutional and elected officers are exempt from this entire section, but no such constitutional or elected officers are to use any public funds, goods, supplies or materials for partisan political purposes.

(c)

No employee shall run for elected office in violation of state or federal laws and regulations or any other local ordinances contained herein. No formal or informal campaign efforts may be performed during the operating hours as established by the county.

(d)

The employee may be allowed to take up to two (2) weeks leave without pay before the primary and before the general election. If the employee has accumulated vacation leave, he may use vacation leave in lieu of leave without pay. Any violation of this section shall be deemed improper conduct and subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

(Ord. of 8-3-87, § 1.5.3; Amend. of 2-1-10)