What is the Hatch Act?  It is the act passed by congress to deter federal employees from trying to influence elections while in their official capacity.  

As we head into a heated presidential election, it is important to take some time and reinforce what is included in the Hatch Act.  

As a federal employee, you should have received training for the Hatch Act and your responsibility to obey it.  Does this mean you can’t follow a politician’s twitter feed or social media?  No, it does not.  You are allowed to talk politics when you are off-duty and not in uniform.  

Below are some Hatch Act Do’s and Don’ts. These rules are for federal employees that fall into the “Less Restricted Employees” category.  

Permitted Off-duty Activities:

- May register and vote as they choose

- May contribute money to political organizations and attend fundraising functions

- May attend and be active at political rallies and meetings

- May join and be an active member of a political party or club

- May campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections

- May distribute campaign literature in partisan election

- May display a campaign yard sign on their property

- May accept an invitation to a political fundraiser from social media websites

Prohibited Activities:

- May not use their official authority or influence to interfere with an election

- May not engage in political activity while on duty

- May not engage in political activity while wearing an official uniform

- May not engage in political activity while using a government vehicle

- May not wear political buttons or apparel on duty

- May not engage in political activity on social media while on duty or in the workplace

- May not “share” or “retweet” a social media solicitation for political fundraising

 If you have any questions about the Hatch Act, please contact your local Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.