State of Washington

Ethics Advisory Committee

Question

Is it proper for a judge to solicit volunteers to participate in the judge’s reelection campaign from court personnel who work in the same court as the judge sits?

Is it proper for a judge to accept an unsolicited offer from court personnel who work in the same court as the judge sits to volunteer in the judge’s reelection campaign? If yes, are there restrictions on the types of activities in which these volunteer campaign workers may engage on the judge’s behalf?

Answer

It is not proper for a judge to solicit volunteers to participate in the judge’s reelection campaign from court personnel who work in the same court as the judge sits since it gives the appearance of exploiting the judicial position and erodes the public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary. Canon 1 and Canon 2(A).

It is proper for a judge to accept an unsolicited offer from court personnel who work in the same court as the judge sits to volunteer in the judge’s reelection campaign.

Court personnel who do participate in a judge’s reelection campaign should be informed by the judge that they are required to adhere to the same standards of political conduct that apply to the judge. CJC Canon 7(B)(1)(b).

Opinion 86-09

07/14/1986