Hosting Political Candidates and Ballot Measure Campaigns

This policy was developed by Student Activities and Government Relations to assist student organizations in meeting all University policies, State and Federal laws while hosting or co-sponsoring political candidates or ballot measures. This policy is subject to change by the Government Relations Office at PSU.

Only student organizations can host or co-sponsor a candidate or ballot measure campaign on campus. Because student organizations at Portland State University are part of a state entity, they must be cautious in how they interact with political campaigns.

Student organizations may be asked by candidates or ballot measure campaigns to support a visit they philosophically disagree with. Student organizations are not expected to host or co-sponsor campaigns that they fundamentally disagree with but should use caution in denying or slowing access to a candidate. In this situation, SALP and Government Relations will work on a case-by-case basis to find a student organization that may be a good fit.

If a student organization wishes to co-sponsor a political campaign, they must notify the Government Relations Office and their SALP Advisor prior to organizing the event.

Hosting Candidates or Ballot Measure Campaigns

Definition: Hosting is when the student organization bares the cost and the majority of the planning for the event.

When it is allowed: Student organizations may host a political candidate or ballot measure only the case of debates and forums with a wide range of the political spectrum or the race in question represented. While the University is not required to host all political candidates for such events, it is important to present a range of opinions and perspectives among forum participants.

Co-sponsoring Candidates or Ballot Measure Campaigns

Definition: Co-sponsoring is when the organization approves the visit, but the candidate or campaign pays the cost of the event and is the lead planner.

When it is allowed: Student organizations may co-sponsor an individual candidate or ballot measure campaign only if the organization does not incur any costs and they are not the lead organizer.