May the library use public funds to encourage people to sign the petition and to vote for passage of the proposition?
No. You cannot use public funds to encourage people to sign the petition or vote in favor of the proposal. You may, however, use public funds for educational purposes such as publicizing details of the library budget, how the increased funds will be used and the location of polling places. You should consult with your own attorney before spending public funds for these purposes to ensure that you do not cross the line between “educating” and “advocating.” Nonpublic funds, such as those of “friends of the library,” or a group organized specifically to promote the proposition, or from other private sources may be used to encourage people to sign the petition and to vote for the ballot proposal, provided that this does not conflict with a group’s non-profit status.
