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WASHINGTON, D.C.—The latest edition of Roll Call includes comments from Womble Carlyle Political Law attorney Jim Kahl regarding voter intimidation in the workplace.

 

The Citizens United decision not only permitted greater corporate and union campaign spending, but it also loosened restrictions on worker education activities. In some companies, leaders have sent e-mails to employees asserting that voting for particular candidates could lead to layoffs. Some critics claim this is worker intimidation.

 

But Kahl said the Federal Elections Commission has yet to weigh in on such activities and that companies should tread carefully.

 

“Technically, the law may provide new freedoms,” Call tells Roll Call. “But regulations have not been rewritten, and people don’t want to violate existing regulations.”

 

Jim Kahl represents clients regarding the regulation of political activity, including counseling on federal and state laws governing campaign finance, government ethics, lobbying laws, and political activity by government employees. With an extensive background working in and practicing before federal agencies, Jim helps clients navigate the complex regulatory maze that impacts federal and state political activity. From 2002 to 2007, Jim served as Deputy General Counsel of the Federal Election Commission. He also served as Deputy Special Counsel at the US Office of Special Counsel.