Political Activity and the Federal Employee

In 1939, Congress approved landmark legislation known as the Hatch Act to limit the political activities of Federal employees, employees of the District of Columbia and certain employees of state and local governments. In 1993, legislation was passed that substantially amended the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993 permit most Federal employees to take an active part in partisan political management and partisan political campaigns. While Federal employees are still prohibited from seeking public office in partisan elections, most employees are free to work, while off duty, on the partisan campaigns of the candidates of their choice. Permitted and prohibited activities for employees who may engage in partisan activities are as follows:

Permitted Activities:

May be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections
May register and vote as they choose
May assist in voter registration drives
May express opinions about candidates and issues
May contribute money to political organizations
May attend political 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 sign nominating petitions
May campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, municipal ordinances
May campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections
May make campaign speeches for candidates in partisan elections
May distribute campaign literature in partisan elections
May hold office in political clubs or parties including serving as a delegate to a convention

Prohibited Activities:

May not use their official authority or influence to interfere with an election
May not solicit, accept or receive 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
May not knowingly solicit or discourage the political activity of any person who has business before the agency
May not engage in political activity while on duty
May not engage in political activity in any government office
May not engage in political activity while wearing an official uniform
May not engage in political activity while using a government vehicle
May not be candidates for public office in partisan elections
May not wear political buttons on duty

In addition, the law that restricts political activity of Federal and District of Columbia government employees can be found at Title 5, CFR, Parts 733 and 734. For additional information on political activity (Hatch Act), please visit the Office of Special Counsel webpage.

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