As Election Day approaches this Nov. 8, there are several nuances in the Hatch Act that could impact federal employees.
But the exact regulations that a federal employee needs to follow under the law also depend on the individual’s position in government.
Most federal executive branch employees, according to the Office of Special Counsel, the agency that oversees the act, are in the “less restricted” category under the Hatch Act. The category means they can take an “active part” in political management or campaigns.
There are some caveats, though. For example, less restricted federal employees cannot use their official titles or positions during political activities. They also cannot distribute or display political campaign materials, either in a physical office space or anytime that they’re on duty. And they cannot participate in political activities in the workplace or while on duty elsewhere.
The rules can get even more complicated. Federal employees, for instance, can attend political fundraising events, but they can’t host a fundraiser, or accept a donation for a political party. OSC has an entire list of “dos and don’ts” for less restricted feds on its website.
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