10/20/2026
Clear Creek Township is a political subdivision of Indiana, its government resources should not be used to give a candidate an advantage. Indiana law specifically prohibits a government employee from knowingly or intentionally using government employer property to solicit contributions or advocate the election or defeat of a candidate.
A government page is particularly problematic because it is an official government communication channel. Indiana government agencies commonly prohibit political campaigning on their official social-media pages. For example, INDOT expressly prohibits political campaigning on its social-media accounts.
The important distinction:
If a candidate simply comments on a public post from their personal Facebook account, that is different from:
❌ The Township making a campaign post for the candidate
❌ The Township sharing the candidate's campaign advertisement
❌ The Township tagging/promoting the candidate as a candidate
❌ Allowing one candidate to advertise while denying others
❌ Using Township staff, equipment, or the official page to promote a campaign
❌ Charging one candidate or allowing one candidate to purchase advertising space on the government page
If Clear Creek Township allows political advertising on its government property, Indiana law can create equal-access requirements for political materials.
“The Clear Creek Township page is an official government communication channel intended to provide information concerning Township business, services, meetings, notices, and other governmental matters. Political campaign advertising, campaign endorsements, solicitation of campaign contributions, and advocacy for or against candidates are not permitted.”
This statement reinforces the Township's position that it maintains a neutral rule that applies to everyone, rather than appearing to favor or discriminate against a particular candidate.
Tony Jeffries, Clerk/Deputy