KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Connect Bay Area Signature Collection Campaign & You
A Guide for AFSCME Members

As a public sector employee, you have a powerful voice in our democracy. However, California law (Gov. Code §8314 & §3201-3209) and BART policy require a strict "firewall" between your job and your political activity. Use this guide to engage safely!

THE GOLDEN RULE: OFF THE CLOCK & OFF THE PROPERTY
Your right to volunteer is protected ONLY when you are acting as a private citizen.

• YES: Gathering signatures during your unpaid lunch break, before/after your shift, or on vacation days.
• YES: Canvassing in public parks, sidewalks, or residential neighborhoods.
• NO: Discussing the petition while performing BART duties or during paid "on-call" time.
• NO: Gathering signatures in non-public BART employee areas (breakrooms, shops, or offices).

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: USE YOUR OWN
The "Misuse of Public Funds" is a serious charge. Never use BART resources for campaign work.

• YES: Use your personal cell phone, personal email, and home printer.
• YES: Use clipboards and pens provided by the Union or bought with your own money.
• NO: Using BART computers, printers, or scanners to copy petitions or flyers.
• NO: Using your @bart.gov email to coordinate volunteers or send campaign updates.

APPEARANCE MATTERS: NO BART UNIFORMS, NO Apparel with BART logo
California law strictly prohibits political activity while in uniform.

• YES: Wear your AFSCME Union "swag," plain clothes, or campaign t-shirts while signature gathering.
• YES: Identifying yourself as a "BART worker" for identification purposes only (e.g., "I work at BART, but I'm here today as a member of my Union").
• NO: Wearing your BART badge, high-vis vest with BART logo, or standard-issue uniform while holding a petition.
• NO: Posing for campaign photos in front of BART-branded vehicles or restricted equipment.

RESPECT YOUR COWORKERS
Avoid "Coercion" or "Solicitation" violations.

• YES: Asking a coworker to sign a petition when you are both off-duty and off-property.
• NO: Asking a subordinate or supervisor to sign while at the workplace.
• NO: Using internal BART staff directories or phone lists to contact people for the campaign.

THE STAKES: Violating these rules can lead to FPPC fines of up to $1,000 per day plus three times the value of any public resources used, as well as District disciplinary action.

When in doubt: Do it on your own time, with your own gear, and in your own clothes.