§ 11-68. Ethical campaign practices principles.

(a)

The Board of County Commissioners of Broward County expresses that the following minimum standards of conduct should govern the statements and conduct of Candidates and Political Committees. A Candidate or Political Committee should:

(1)

Not make an opponent's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, physical disability, or sexual orientation a significant or recurring issue in a campaign;

(2)

Condemn any appeal to prejudice based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, physical disability, or sexual orientation that is made in support of, or in opposition to, either one's own or an opponent's campaign;

(3)

Not question an opponent's patriotism;

(4)

Not publish, display, or circulate anonymous campaign literature or political advertisements;

(5)

Not destroy or unlawfully remove campaign materials or signs displayed on public or private property;

(6)

Run a positive campaign emphasizing a Candidate's qualifications for office and positions on issues of public concern, and limit attacks on an opponent to legitimate challenges to that person's record, qualifications, and positions;

(7)

Not use malicious untruths, innuendoes about an opponent's personal life, or unfounded accusations to discredit an opponent;

(8)

Not use campaign material that falsifies, distorts, or misrepresents facts;

(9)

Prohibit any member of his or her campaign from engaging in activities or making statements that would violate these principles; and

(10)

Repudiate the support of any individual or entity engaging in activities or making statements in violation of these principles.

(b)

These principles shall be interpreted in accordance with common sense notions of fairness, taking into account the realities of both politics and government operation. The consideration of whether conduct or expression comports with these principles should include whether said conduct or expression is misleading or unfair by omission or creates a misleading, unfair, or prejudicial implication.

(c)

Adherence to these principles is strictly voluntary and shall not, in any way, affect any Candidate's rights, duties, or privileges.

(Ord. No. 2019-09 , § 1, 2-26-19)