What’s the Hatch Act?
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2000 – Are there legal restrictions placed upon DoD military and civilian employees’ political activities because of their unique roles as public servants?
Yes, there are. The “Dos and Don’ts” are listed under the federal Hatch Act, originally legislated in 1939 and updated seven years ago. The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of executive branch employees, including DoD civilian employees, and the employees of the District of Columbia government and certain state and local agencies. Members of the armed forces are also subject to Hatch Act provisions.
Allowable activities include running for nonpartisan public office; registering and voting as one chooses; assisting in voter registration drives; attending political fundraisers, rallies and meetings; and holding office in political clubs or parties.
As examples of prohibitions, federal employees generally may not solicit or receive political contributions, and they may not engage in political activity while on duty, in a government office or while wearing an official uniform.
In 1993, congressional legislation substantially amended the Hatch Act, enabling most federal and District employees to engage in many types of political activity outside the workplace that were previously forbidden. Provisions applying to state and local government employees were not changed.
For more information how the Hatch Act affects military personnel and federal civilian employees, access the U.S. Office of Special Counsel’s Federal Hatch Act Web site at http://www.osc.gov/ha_fed.htm.