· May not be a candidate for nomination or election to public office in a partisan election.

· May register and vote as they choose.

· May assist in nonpartisan voter registration drives.

· May participate in campaigns where none of the candidates represent a political party.

· May contribute money to political campaigns, political parties, or partisan political groups.

· May attend political fundraising functions.

· May attend political rallies and meetings.

· May join political clubs or parties.

· May sign nominating petitions.

· May campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, or municipal ordinances.

· May be a candidate for public office in a nonpartisan election.

· May express opinions about candidates and issues. If the expression is political activity, however – i.e., activity directed at the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group – then the expression is not permitted while the employee is on duty, in any federal room or building, while wearing a uniform or official insignia, or using any federally owned or leased vehicle.

For further information, contact the U.S. Office of Special Counsel’s Hatch Act Unit at:

Tel: (800) 85-HATCH or (800) 854-2824
(202) 254-3650
Fax: (202) 254-3700

Hatch Act advisory opinion requests (only): hatchact@osc.gov

* Employees subject to additional restrictions under the Hatch Act include employees from the following agencies, agency components, or in the following positions:

o Election Assistance Commission

o Federal Election Commission

o Office of the Director of National Intelligence

o Central Intelligence Agency

o Defense Intelligence Agency

o National Geospatial Intelligence Agency

o National Security Agency

o National Security Council

o National Security Division (Department of Justice)

o Criminal Division (Department of Justice)

o Federal Bureau of Investigation

o Secret Service

o Office of Criminal Investigation (Internal Revenue Service)

o Office of Investigative Programs (Customs Service)

o Office of Law Enforcement (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms)

o Merit Systems Protection Board

o U.S. Office of Special Counsel

o Career members of the Senior Executive Service

o Administrative law judges, administrative appeals judges, and contract appeals board members

· May not take an active part in partisan political campaigns. For example:

Ø May not campaign for or against a candidate or slate of candidates.

Ø May not make campaign speeches or engage in other campaign activities to elect partisan candidates.

Ø May not distribute campaign material in partisan elections.

Ø May not circulate nominating petitions.

· May not take an active part in partisan political management. For example:

Ø May not hold office in political clubs or parties

Ø May not organize or manage political rallies or meetings

Ø May not assist in partisan voter registration drives

· May not use their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election. For example:

Ø May not use their official titles or positions while engaged in political activity.

Ø May not invite subordinate employees to political events or otherwise suggest to subordinates that they attend political events or undertake any partisan political activity.

· May not solicit, accept or receive a donation or contribution for a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group. For example:

Ø May not host a political fundraiser.

Ø May not invite others to a political fundraiser.

Ø May not collect contributions or sell tickets to political fundraising functions.

· May not engage in political activity – i.e., activity directed at the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group – while the employee is on duty, in any federal room or building, while wearing a uniform or official insignia, or using any federally owned or leased vehicle. For example:

Ø May not wear or display partisan political buttons, T-shirts, signs, or other items.

Ø May not make political contributions to a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.

Ø May not post a comment to a blog or a social media site that advocates for or against a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.

Ø May not use any e-mail account or social media to distribute, send or forward content that advocates for or against a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.