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WHAT IS THE HATCH ACT?
The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of executive branch employees of the federal government, District of Columbia
government, and some state and local employees who work in connection with federally funded programs.
WHAT IS POLITICAL ACTIVITY?
Activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for a partisan political office, or partisan political
group.
• Engage in "political activity" while:
» on duty or while in a duty status,
» in a government office,
» wearing an official uniform, or
» using a government vehicle.
• Use official authority or influence to affect the results of an election.
• Solicit or receive political contributions (with a limited exception the NATCA PAC
during non-duty time and not on federal property — only if solicited exclusively
from other NATCA members).
• Be candidates for public office in partisan elections.
• Wear partisan political shirts or buttons while on duty or in a government facility.
• Register and vote as they choose.
• Contribute money to political organizations.
• Join and be an active member of a political party or club.
• Express opinions about candidates and issues, at the appropriate time and place.
• Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections, at the appropriate time
and place.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MAY:
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MAY NOT:
HATCH ACT: DOs & DON'Ts
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