# Presentation: 337628

## POLITICAL ACTIVITYAND THE  FEDERAL EMPLOYEE

## POLITICAL ACTIVITYAND THE  FEDERAL EMPLOYEE

_***Note to viewers***_**:**
**This presentation is an **_**overview**_** of the Hatch Act – *****i.e*****., it is **_***not***_** an exhaustive presentation of all  Hatch Act provisions applicable to Federal employees.  It is provided by the ****Office of Special Counsel (OSC) ****solely as a resource for use by others in presenting highlights of Federal Hatch Act statutory and regulatory provisions.  More comprehensive information on the Hatch Act’s application to Federal employees can be obtained from the sources and resources listed at the end of this presentation.**
**Finally, this presentation ****is not intended to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the OSC or any other individual or entity.**

## FEDERAL HATCH ACT5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-26

**1993 AMENDMENTS EXPANDED RIGHTS OF MOST FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN PARTISAN POLITICAL MANAGEMENT AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS**
**CERTAIN AGENCIES AND EMPLOYEES CONTINUE TO BE RESTRICTED FROM ENGAGING IN PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY**

## ACT APPLIES TO —

CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES

PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

POSTAL SERVICE EMPLOYEES

D.C. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

SPECIAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AND OTHERS WORKING ON AN OCCASIONAL OR INTERMITTENT BASIS, WHEN ENGAGED IN GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

DOES NOT APPLY TO PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

_**CIVILIAN**_** ****EMPLOYEES**
_**PART-TIME**_** EMPLOYEES**
_**POSTAL SERVICE**_** EMPLOYEES**
_**D.C. GOVERNMENT**_** EMPLOYEES**
_**SPECIAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES**_**, AND OTHERS WORKING ON AN **_**OCCASIONAL OR INTERMITTENT**_** BASIS, WHEN ENGAGED IN GOVERNMENT BUSINESS**
**DOES NOT APPLY TO PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT****5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-26**

## FEDERAL HATCH ACT

| EMPLOYEES APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT AND CONFIRMED BY THE SENATE; EMPLOYEES PAID FROM AN APPROPRIATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
(GENERALLY UNRESTRICTED) | 

EMPLOYEES OF INTELLIGENCE- AND ENFORCEMENT-TYPE
AGENCIES
(RESTRICTED) | 

ALL OTHERS
(GENERALLY UNRESTRICTED)  |
| --- | --- | --- |

**APPLIES TO THREE CATEGORIES OF EMPLOYEES:**

## FEDERAL HATCH ACT5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-26; 5 C.F.R. PART 734.101

_**POLITICAL ACTIVITY**_** MEANS:**
**AN ACTIVITY DIRECTED TOWARD THE SUCCESS **_**OR**_** FAILURE OF A — **
**POLITICAL PARTY**
**CANDIDATE FOR PARTISAN POLITICAL OFFICE, **_***OR***_
**PARTISAN POLITICAL GROUP**

## GENERALLY UNRESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY –

BE CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS

REGISTER AND VOTE AS THEY CHOOSE

ASSIST IN VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES 

EXPRESS OPINIONS ABOUT CANDIDATES AND ISSUES

CONTRIBUTE MONEY TO POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS

ATTEND POLITICAL FUNDRAISING FUNCTIONS

**BE CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**REGISTER AND VOTE AS THEY CHOOSE**
**ASSIST IN VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES **
**EXPRESS OPINIONS ABOUT CANDIDATES AND ISSUES**
**CONTRIBUTE MONEY TO POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS**
**ATTEND POLITICAL FUNDRAISING FUNCTIONS**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DO’s****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART B**

## GENERALLY UNRESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY –

ATTEND AND BE ACTIVE AT POLITICAL RALLIES AND MEETINGS 

JOIN AND BE ACTIVE MEMBER OF A POLITICAL PARTY OR CLUB 

SIGN NOMINATING PETITIONS

CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST REFERENDUM QUESTIONS, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES

**ATTEND AND BE ACTIVE AT POLITICAL RALLIES AND MEETINGS **
**JOIN AND BE ACTIVE MEMBER OF A POLITICAL PARTY OR CLUB **
**SIGN NOMINATING PETITIONS**
**CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST REFERENDUM QUESTIONS, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DO’s****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART B**

## GENERALLY UNRESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY –

CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST CANDIDATES IN  PARTISAN ELECTIONS

MAKE CAMPAIGN SPEECHES FOR CANDIDATES IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

DISTRIBUTE CAMPAIGN LITERATURE IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

HOLD OFFICE IN POLITICAL CLUBS OR PARTIES

**CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST CANDIDATES IN  PARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**MAKE CAMPAIGN SPEECHES FOR CANDIDATES IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**DISTRIBUTE CAMPAIGN LITERATURE IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**HOLD OFFICE IN POLITICAL CLUBS OR PARTIES**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DO’s****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART B**

## UNRESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY NOT —

USE OFFICIAL AUTHORITY OR INFLUENCE TO INTERFERE WITH AN ELECTION

SOLICIT OR DISCOURAGE POLITICAL ACTIVITY OF ANYONE WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THEIR AGENCY

SOLICIT OR RECEIVE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS (MAY BE DONE IN CERTAIN LIMITED SITUATIONS BY FEDERAL LABOR OR OTHER EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS)

BE CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

**USE OFFICIAL AUTHORITY OR INFLUENCE TO INTERFERE WITH AN ELECTION**
**SOLICIT OR DISCOURAGE POLITICAL ACTIVITY OF ANYONE WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THEIR AGENCY**
**SOLICIT OR RECEIVE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS (MAY BE DONE IN CERTAIN **_**LIMITED**_** SITUATIONS BY FEDERAL LABOR OR OTHER EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS)**
**BE CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DON’Ts****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART C**

## MOST EMPLOYEES MAY NOT ENGAGE IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY WHILE —

ON DUTY

IN A GOVERNMENT OFFICE

WEARING AN OFFICIAL UNIFORM

USING A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE

**ON DUTY**
**IN A GOVERNMENT OFFICE**
**WEARING AN OFFICIAL UNIFORM**
**USING A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DON’Ts****5 U.S.C. § 7324; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART C**

## CANDIDACY5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-26

**WHEN DOES IT BEGIN?**
** **
**WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL BEGINS TO COLLECT SIGNATURES FOR NOMINATING PETITIONS**
**WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL BEGINS TO FUNDRAISE**
**WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL MAKES AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE PRESS**
**WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL FILES NOMINATING PETITIONS**
**WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL PUTS A CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE TOGETHER**

## FEDERAL HATCH ACT:EOP / PAS COVERAGE5 U.S.C. § 7324(b); 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART E

**APPLIES TO EMPLOYEES —**
**PAID FROM APPROPRIATION FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, **_***OR***_
**PRESIDENTIALLY APPOINTED, SENATE-CONFIRMED**
**WHO —**
**OCCUPY POSITIONS LOCATED IN THE U.S., **_***AND***_
**DETERMINE  POLICIES TO BE PURSUED IN**
**RELATIONS WITH FOREIGN POWERS, **_***OR***_
**NATIONWIDE ADMINISTRATION OF FEDERAL LAWS**

## SUCH EMPLOYEES MAY ENGAGE IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY WHILE —

ON DUTY

IN A GOVERNMENT ROOM OR BUILDING

WEARING A UNIFORM OR OFFICIAL INSIGNIA

USING A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE

IF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH POLITICAL ACTIVITY ARE NOT PAID FOR BY MONEY DERIVED FROM THE U.S. TREASURY

***ON DUTY***
***IN A GOVERNMENT ROOM OR BUILDING***
***WEARING A UNIFORM OR OFFICIAL INSIGNIA***
***USING A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE***
_***IF***_** COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH POLITICAL ACTIVITY ARE **_***NOT***_** PAID FOR BY MONEY DERIVED FROM THE U.S. TREASURY**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT:****EOP / PAS COVERAGE (CONT’D)****5 U.S.C. § 7324(b); 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART E**

## FEDERAL HATCH ACT:RESTRICTED AGENCIES5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D

**CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY**
**CRIMINAL DIVISION (DOJ)**
**DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY**
**FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION**
**FEDERAL ELECTIONS COMMISSION**
**MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD**
**NATIONAL IMAGERY AND MAPPING AGENCY **

## NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY

NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL

OFFICE OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION (IRS)

OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIVE PROGRAMS (CUSTOMS)

OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (BATF)

OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL

SECRET SERVICE

**NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL**
**OFFICE OF CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION (IRS)**
**OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIVE PROGRAMS (CUSTOMS)**
**OFFICE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT (BATF)**
**OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL**
**SECRET SERVICE**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT:****RESTRICTED AGENCIES****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## EMPLOYEES STILL SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS ON PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITY: 

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES

CAREER SES

MEMBERS OF CONTRACTS APPEALS BOARDS

**ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES**
**CAREER SES**
**MEMBERS OF CONTRACTS APPEALS BOARDS**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT:****RESTRICTED POSITIONS****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY —

EXPRESS OPINIONS ABOUT CANDIDATES AND ISSUES

REGISTER AND VOTE AS THEY CHOOSE

ASSIST IN NON-PARTISAN VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES

PARTICIPATE IN CAMPAIGNS IN WHICH NONE OF THE CANDIDATES REPRESENTS A POLITICAL PARTY

**EXPRESS OPINIONS ABOUT CANDIDATES AND ISSUES**
**REGISTER AND VOTE AS THEY CHOOSE**
**ASSIST IN NON-PARTISAN VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVES**
**PARTICIPATE IN CAMPAIGNS IN WHICH NONE OF THE CANDIDATES REPRESENTS A POLITICAL PARTY**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DOs:****RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY —

ATTEND POLITICAL RALLIES AND MEETINGS

JOIN POLITICAL CLUBS OR PARTIES

SIGN NOMINATING PETITIONS

CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST REFERENDUM QUESTIONS, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES

**ATTEND POLITICAL RALLIES AND MEETINGS**
**JOIN POLITICAL CLUBS OR PARTIES**
**SIGN NOMINATING PETITIONS**
**CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST REFERENDUM QUESTIONS, CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS, MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DOs:****RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY NOT —

USE OFFICIAL AUTHORITY OR INFLUENCE TO INTERFERE WITH AN ELECTION

SOLICIT OR DISCOURAGE POLITICAL ACTIVITY OF ANYONE WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THEIR AGENCY

SOLICIT OR RECEIVE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS (MAY BE DONE IN CERTAIN LIMITED SITUATIONS BY FEDERAL LABOR OR OTHER EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS)

BE CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

**USE OFFICIAL AUTHORITY OR INFLUENCE TO INTERFERE WITH AN ELECTION**
**SOLICIT OR DISCOURAGE POLITICAL ACTIVITY OF ANYONE WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THEIR AGENCY**
**SOLICIT OR RECEIVE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS (MAY BE DONE IN CERTAIN **_**LIMITED**_** SITUATIONS BY FEDERAL LABOR OR OTHER EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATIONS)**
**BE CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DON’Ts:****RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## MOST EMPLOYEES MAY NOT ENGAGE IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY WHILE —

ON DUTY

IN A GOVERNMENT OFFICE

WEARING AN OFFICIAL UNIFORM

USING A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE

**ON DUTY**
**IN A GOVERNMENT OFFICE**
**WEARING AN OFFICIAL UNIFORM**
**USING A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DON’Ts:****RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES****5 U.S.C. § 7324; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY NOT —

CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST CANDIDATES OR SLATES OF CANDIDATES IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

MAKE CAMPAIGN SPEECHES FOR CANDIDATES IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

COLLECT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR, OR SELL TICKETS TO, POLITICAL FUNDRAISING FUNCTIONS

**CAMPAIGN FOR OR AGAINST CANDIDATES OR SLATES OF CANDIDATES IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**MAKE CAMPAIGN SPEECHES FOR CANDIDATES IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**COLLECT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR, OR SELL TICKETS TO, POLITICAL FUNDRAISING FUNCTIONS**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DON’Ts:****RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY NOT —

DISTRIBUTE CAMPAIGN MATERIAL IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

ORGANIZE OR MANAGE PARTISAN POLITICAL RALLIES OR MEETINGS

HOLD OFFICE IN PARTISAN POLITICAL CLUBS OR PARTIES

**DISTRIBUTE CAMPAIGN MATERIAL IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**ORGANIZE OR MANAGE PARTISAN POLITICAL RALLIES OR MEETINGS**
**HOLD OFFICE IN PARTISAN POLITICAL CLUBS OR PARTIES**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DON’Ts:****RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES MAY NOT —

CIRCULATE NOMINATING PETITIONS IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS

TAKE PART IN DELIBERATIONS OR PROCEEDINGS OF PARTY CONVENTIONS OR CONVENTION COMMITTEES

REGISTER VOTERS ON BEHALF OF A PARTICULAR POLITICAL PARTY

**CIRCULATE NOMINATING PETITIONS IN PARTISAN ELECTIONS**
**TAKE PART IN DELIBERATIONS OR PROCEEDINGS OF PARTY CONVENTIONS OR CONVENTION COMMITTEES**
**REGISTER VOTERS ON BEHALF OF A PARTICULAR POLITICAL PARTY**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT DON’Ts:****RESTRICTED EMPLOYEES****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734, SUBPART D**

## PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)5 U.S.C. § 7326

**MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD MAY ORDER EMPLOYEE’S —**
**REMOVAL**
**	****	**_***OR***_
**SUSPENSION (30-DAY MINIMUM)**

## FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734

***Q:******	*****C****AN I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ****	****CAMPAIGN OF A PARTISAN CANDIDATE, OR TO A ****	****POLITICAL PARTY OR ORGANIZATION?**

## A:	ANY FEDERAL EMPLOYEE MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAMPAIGN OF A PARTISAN CANDIDATE, OR TO A POLITICAL PARTY OR ORGANIZATION.

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## Q:	CAN I HOST A POLITICAL FUNDRAISER? 

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## A:	FEDERAL EMPLOYEES MAY NOT HOST FUNDRAISERS.  

	UNRESTRICTED EMPLOYEES, HOWEVER, MAY HELP ORGANIZE A FUNDRAISER, INCLUDING SUPPLYING NAMES FOR THE INVITATION LIST.

**	*****U******NRESTRICTED***** EMPLOYEES, HOWEVER, **_***MAY***_** HELP ORGANIZE A FUNDRAISER, INCLUDING SUPPLYING NAMES FOR THE INVITATION LIST.**

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## Q:	CAN I SPEAK AT A POLITICAL FUNDRAISER?

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## A:	IF YOU ARE AN UNRESTRICTED EMPLOYEE, YOU MAY SPEAK AT A FUNDRAISER, AS LONG AS YOU -

ARE NOT ON DUTY, AND

DO NOT SOLICIT POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

**ARE**** **_***NOT***_** ****ON DUTY, AND**
**DO**** **_***NOT***_** ****SOLICIT POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS.**

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## Q:	IF I'M GOING TO SPEAK AT A POLITICAL FUNDRAISER, WHAT INFORMATION ABOUT ME CAN BE PRINTED ON THE INVITATIONS?

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## A:	AN EMPLOYEE'S NAME CAN BE SHOWN AS A 	GUEST SPEAKER.

REFERENCE SHOULD NOT SUGGEST THAT THE EMPLOYEE SOLICITS OR ENCOURAGES CONTRIBUTIONS.

FUNDRAISER INVITATIONS  MAY NOT INCLUDE THE EMPLOYEE'S OFFICIAL TITLE (BUT EMPLOYEE ORDINARILY ADDRESSED WITH A GENERAL TERM OF ADDRESS, SUCH AS "THE HONORABLE," MAY USE, OR PERMIT THE USE OF, THAT TERM OF ADDRESS ON AN INVITATION).

**REFERENCE SHOULD***** ***_***NOT***_** ****SUGGEST THAT THE EMPLOYEE SOLICITS OR ENCOURAGES CONTRIBUTIONS.**
**FUNDRAISER INVITATIONS  MAY **_***NOT***_** INCLUDE THE EMPLOYEE'S OFFICIAL TITLE (BUT EMPLOYEE ORDINARILY ADDRESSED WITH A GENERAL TERM OF ADDRESS, SUCH AS "THE HONORABLE," MAY USE, OR PERMIT THE USE OF, THAT TERM OF ADDRESS ON AN INVITATION).**

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## Q:	CAN I ATTEND A STATE OR NATIONAL PARTY CONVENTION? IF SO, IN WHAT CAPACITY?

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## A:	AN UNRESTRICTED EMPLOYEE MAY ATTEND AND SERVE AS A DELEGATE, ALTERNATE, OR PROXY TO A STATE OR NATIONAL PARTY CONVENTION. 

	A RESTRICTED EMPLOYEE MAY ONLY ATTEND A POLITICAL CONVENTION.

**	****A *****RESTRICTED***** EMPLOYEE**** **_***MAY***_*** ***_***ONLY***_** ****ATTEND A POLITICAL CONVENTION.**

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## Q:	IF I RUN AS A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN A NONPARTISAN ELECTION, DOES THE HATCH ACT ALLOW ME TO ASK FOR AND ACCEPT POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS?

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## A:	UNDER THE HATCH ACT, AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR PUBLIC OFFICE IN A NONPARTISAN ELECTION MAY SOLICIT, ACCEPT, OR RECEIVE POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR HIS OR HER OWN CAMPAIGN.

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## Q:	MAY I DISTRIBUTE BROCHURES FOR A POLITICAL PARTY TO PEOPLE ARRIVING AT A POLLING PLACE ON ELECTION DAY?

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## A:	UNLESS YOU ARE A RESTRICTED EMPLOYEE, YOU  MAY STAND OUTSIDE A POLLING PLACE ON ELECTION DAY AND HAND OUT BROCHURES ON BEHALF OF A PARTISAN POLITICAL CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL PARTY.

**FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS****(FEDERAL HATCH ACT)****5 U.S.C. § 7323; 5 C.F.R. PART 734**

## OTHER HATCH ACT QUESTIONS5 U.S.C. §1212(f); 5 C.F.R. PARTS 151, 733-734

**SOURCES OF ADVICE —**
_**CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (TITLE 5)  **_
**	****	****ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT ALLOWABLE ****	****	****POLITICAL ACTIVITY**
_**OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL**_
**	****	****PROVIDES ADVISORY OPINIONS ON QUESTIONS ****	****ABOUT PERMISSIBLE POLITICAL ACTIVITY NOT ****	****ANSWERED IN THE REGULATIONS**

## FEDERAL HATCH ACT:OSC PHONE / E-MAIL CONTACTS

**	****(202) 653-7143**
**	**_***hatchact@osc.gov***_
_**PUBLIC INFORMATION**_**:****	****(202) 653-2253**
_**OSC SPEAKERS / OUTREACH**_**:****	****(202) 653-6006**

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT:****OSC PHONE / E-MAIL CONTACTS**

## OSC WEB SITE (http://www.osc.gov)

## FEDERAL HATCH ACT:OSC PUBLICATIONS AND POSTERS

**(PAMPHLET)**
*(GPO # 062-000-00048-1 / OSC WEB SITE)*
****
**THE HATCH ACT AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEES**
**(POSTER)**
*(GPO # 452908 - 2000 EDITION)*

**FEDERAL HATCH ACT:****OSC PUBLICATIONS AND POSTERS**