Campaigning, Canvassing, and Petition Drives

 

Persons interested in conducting political activities on the University campus should contact the Student Life Office, 101 Student Services Building, for information regarding the means by which political activities may be conducted on grounds governed by the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.

“Political activities” include:

1. Campaigning – for an issue or a candidate which appears or will appear on a duly constituted ballot for a University, local, state, or national election.
2. Petition drives – to place an issue on a duly constituted ballot, to seek a recall, to have a referendum.
3. Canvassing – direct personal contact with individual voters to solicit their political support or opinions.
4. Voter registration.

Access to Residence Halls

While MSU’s commitment to maintaining the safety and security of on-campus residents is paramount, civic groups are able and encouraged to carry out voter engagement activities in the public areas of residence halls and are welcome to display election related information on public bulletin boards.

Individuals and organizations may post materials on designated public bulletin boards on public floors and in public spaces in residence halls. Prior approval is not required to post information in these locations. Materials that are untimely, in poor physical condition (e.g., torn, ripped, dirty, defaced), market illegal activities, or constitute a violation of law or university policies (including the Anti-Discrimination Policy) will not be permitted.

All residence halls at MSU are equipped with electronic building access technology, restricting access to exterior doors, living wings, and elevators. Living wings in the residence halls are locked 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Residents have living wing access to the residence hall in which they live. Hall residents may escort a candidate or member of a civic organization throughout the hall as a guest. Guests must be escorted throughout the duration of the visit. During the visit, guests may canvass, register voters, campaign, provide election information and/or bring petition drives for signature. Note: Escorts are not required when a resident of that hall is conducting the activity alone. All guests must follow the policies outlined in the On-Campus Housing Handbook.

Residents who do not wish to have groups stop by their room or apartment, should display a “No Solicitation” sign on their door.

Questions regarding table reservations in public spaces for groups or candidates should be directed to University Conference Services at (517) 353-9300. Registered Student Organizations looking to host an event or table should utilize Involve@State by visiting involve.msu.edu. Questions regarding residence hall access should be directed to the Click here to enter text.

Assistant Director for Safety and Security for Residence Education and Housing Services at 517-432-8720.