Solicitation Policy

Library Solicitation Policy

Both the United States and Massachusetts Constitutions protect the right to solicit signatures on ballot question petitions/nomination papers in a reasonable and unobtrusive manner in open public areas. This includes the public areas of municipal property.

For municipal buildings, people soliciting signatures cannot go into individual offices but can be in areas that are considered “public forums” available to anyone (such as hallways). Additionally, these provisions apply to a person physically collecting signatures. Any such activities should be carried on in a manner not to interfere with other public business.

Nomination papers and other ballot question petitions should not be left unattended in any public building as it could be construed as using public funds to support a candidate or question.

Approved 4.9.14; updated 5.9.18