FEDERAL GLOBE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES GUIDE

The Hatch Act, as amended, and the accompanying rules on political activities are intended to allow Federal employees to actively participate in the political process without intermingling Government and political activities or being subject to coercion. These rules generally permit Federal employees to engage in a wide range of partisan political activities during non-duty hours while strictly limiting on-duty political activity.

General Rule. During non-duty hours and when not on Government premises and not using Government resources, ALL Federal employees MAY:

  • vote and sign political petitions;
  • campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, or local ordinances;
  • campaign as a candidate or for a candidate in a nonpartisan election;
  • personally distribute campaign literature in nonpartisan elections;
  • attend a political fundraiser and belong to a political party or group; and
  • make a contribution to a candidate or party.

Inaddition, Federal employees, other than a career member of the Senior Executive Service (SES), an Administrative Law Judge, a Contract Appeals Board member, or a member of a uniformed service or a law enforcement agency, MAY:

  • actively campaign on behalf of a candidate in a partisan election;
  • personally distribute campaign literature (except fundraising literature) in a partisan political campaign;
  • attend or serve as a delegate to a political convention; and
  • hold office in political clubs or in party organizations.

Exception to the General Rule. Presidential appointees may engage in some political activities during duty hours and on Government premises.

Limitations. Generally, most Federal employees MAY NOT:

  • accept or receive a political contribution;
  • personally solicit political contributions or host a political fundraiser;
  • run as a candidate for a partisan political office (except as an independent candidate in certain designated areas); or
  • solicit or accept volunteer services from a subordinate.

For official information, contact your agency Ethics Office or the Office of Special Counsel at (202) 653-7143. The Office of Special Counsel is an independent Federal agency responsible for investigating reports or complaints concerning Hatch Act violations committed by covered Federal employees and for prosecuting violators.