Legislative Ethics Board Advisory Opinions
Topic
Doorbelling - Use of Public Resources - Normal and Regular Conduct
Issue/Question
LEB Opinion Issue/Question
May a legislator doorbell constituents on legislative issues while delivering
a document produced by legislative staff, materials and equipment? What is a
general, working definition of "normal and regular conduct?"
Summary
LEB Opinion Summary
Doorbelling is generally viewed as a
campaign activity where the use of legislative materials is not permitted.
Under certain conditions based on timing, selection method, content guidelines
and other limitations, legislative doorbelling would be permissible. Contact
with constituents using state resources which is in response to their requests
for legislative information and/or assistance is generally permitted. Contact
with constituents which is initiated by members and staff is subject to time,
place, content and method restrictions. RCW 42.52.180.
Document
LEB Advisory Opinion Document
Review Outcome and Date
Reviewed in June 2022 and retained. See Advisory Opinion 2021 – No. 1