Employee Code of Ethics

The Department of Elections is committed to an environment of uncompromising integrity and ethical conduct. These ethical standards serve as the fundamental factors guiding the Department of Election’s decisions, actions, and daily operations.

We recognize that our decisions and actions reflect not only upon our individual reputations but also upon the reputation of the Department of Elections. Our actions will be guided by these ethical principles even when confronted by personal, professional, social, or economic pressures.

As employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia and its Department of Elections, we will:

• Dedicate our efforts toward earning the respect, trust, and confidence of elected and appointed officials, those with whom we work, and the public.
• Commit to the highest ideals in the stewardship of public resources.
• Exercise prudence and integrity in managing the Commonwealth’s elections and finances.
• Provide all reports and information in conformance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.
• Strive for professional excellence by maintaining and enhancing professional knowledge, skills, and abilities for ourselves and our colleagues.
• Understand and comply with the codes, laws, regulations, policies and procedures that govern the Department of Election activities.
• Understand and adhere to all state and federal laws, regulations, policies and procedures that govern employees of the Department of Elections.
• Maintain and promote nonpartisanship in our professional dealings.
• Treat all persons in a respectful and courteous manner.
• Abide by Virginia’s Standards of Conduct for Employees and related regulations.
• Hold ourselves accountable for adhering to this Code of Ethics.

As employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia and its Department of Elections, we will not:

• Allow conflicts of interest between ourselves and our professional roles.
• Use public resources for personal gain.
• Knowingly sign, subscribe to, or permit issuance of any information that contains a misstatement or omits a material fact.
• Knowingly conduct or condone any illegal or improper activity.
• Serve “as the chairman of a political party or other officer of a state-, local-, or district-level political party committee,” in violation of Va. Code § 24.2-103(G).
• Serve “as a paid or volunteer worker in the campaign of a candidate for nomination or election to an office filled by election in whole or in part by the qualified voters of the Commonwealth,” in violation of Va. Code § 24.2-103(G)