The Hatch Act — Permitted and Prohibited Activities for Employees

The Hatch Act is a federal law that restricts the political activity of federal and Postal Service employees while on duty, on government property, wearing an official uniform, or using a government vehicle. It also prohibits candidates campaigning for election to public office on leased or owned postal property.

Under the Hatch Act, Postal Service employees may:

• Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections.
• Register and vote as they choose.
• Assist in voter registration drives.
• Express opinions about candidates and issues.
• Contribute money to political organizations.
• Attend political fundraising functions.
• Attend and be active at political rallies and meetings.
• Join and be an active member of a political party or club.
• Sign nominating petitions.
• Campaign for or against referendum questions, con­stitutional amendments, and municipal ordinances.
• Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections.
• Make speeches for candidates in partisan elections.
• Distribute campaign literature in partisan elections.
• Hold office in political clubs or parties.

Postal Service employees may not:

• Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election.
• Solicit, receive, or collect political contributions unless both individuals are members of the same federal labor organization or employee organization, and the one solicited is not a subordinate employee.
• Knowingly solicit or discourage the political activity of any person who has business before the agency.
• Engage in political activity while on duty, wearing an official uniform, using a government vehicle, or in any government office.
• Solicit political contributions from the general public.
• Solicit or receive political contributions.
• Be candidates for public office in partisan elections.
• Wear political buttons on duty.

Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. More information on the Hatch Act can be obtained at www.osc.gov/hatchact.htm.