The Hatch Act prohibits Less Restricted employees from:

• using their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election;


• knowingly soliciting, accepting, or receiving a political contribution from any person (this may be done in certain limited situations by federal labor or other employee organizations);


• knowingly soliciting or discouraging the participation in any political activity of anyone who has business pending before their employing agency;


• being candidates for public office in partisan political elections; or


• engaging in political activity while:

• on duty;


• in a government office;


• wearing an official uniform; or


• using a government vehicle

Less Restricted federal employees may not, for example:

• host a political fundraiser


• invite anyone to a political fundraiser


• accept or receive a donation or contribution for a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group


• use an official title or position while engaged in political activity


• supervisory employees may not invite subordinate employees to political events or otherwise suggest to subordinates that they attend the political event or undertake any partisan political activity

Additionally, while on duty and/or in any federal room or building, Less Restricted federal employees may not, for example:

• distribute campaign materials or items


• wear partisan political buttons, t-shirts or other items


• display campaign materials or items


• perform campaign related chores


• make political contributions to a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group


• post a comment to a blog that advocates for or against a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group


• use any e-mail account to distribute, send or forward content that advocates for or against a partisan political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group