Joint Base San Antonio-Medina Annex, Texas -- 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.