AI-assisted research summary: County classified-service employees are barred from using official influence for political purposes and from active campaign activity, but they keep certain private political rights.
No person holding a position in the classified service shall seek or attempt to use any political endorsement in connection with any appointment to a position in the classified service. No person holding a position in the classified service shall use or promise to use, directly or indirectly, any official authority or influence, whether possessed or anticipated, to secure or attempt to secure for any person an appointment or advantage in appointment to a position in the classified service, or an increase in pay or other advantage in employment in any such position, for the purpose of influencing the vote or political action of any person or for any consideration. No employee holding a position in the classified service shall be a candidate for nomination or election to any public office, shall take part in any political campaign in support of or opposition to the election of any candidate for a county elective office, except to exercise his or her right as a citizen privately, to express his or her opinion, and to cast his or her vote, unless on authorized leave of absence for such purpose. No person in the employment of the county, whether classified or unclassified, shall be denied the right to participate in city and state political activities to the same extent as any other citizen of the State of Alabama, including endorsing candidates and contributing to campaigns of his or her choosing. All persons in the employment of the county shall have the right to join local political clubs and organizations, and state or national political parties. All persons in the employment of the county shall have the right to publicly support issues of public welfare, circulate petitions calling for and in support of referendums, and contribute freely to those of his or her choosing. Any person holding a position in the classified service who violates this section may be disciplined by dismissal, suspension without pay, or demotion as provided in Section 45-35-120.16.