In this time of heightened political activity, and with Presidential elections scheduled for November, it is a good time to review permitted and prohibited political activity of Federal employees. Please note that the following is general guidance only and that the Office of Special Counsel, as indicated below, should be contacted for information and advice of specific questions and situations. In 1993, Congress amended the Hatch Act to relax some of the restrictions. Most Federal employees are now allowed to take an active part in political management or in political campaigns.
Greater restrictions apply to active duty military personnel.
A federal employee may contribute to the campaign of a partisan candidate, or to a political party or organization. An employee may also park the car with a bumper sticker in a private lot or garage for which the employee receives a subsidy from his or her agency. An employee is allowed to organize a fundraiser, including by supplying names for the invitation list, as long as he or she does not personally solicit, accept, or receive contributions. An employee's name may not be shown on an invitation to such a fundraiser as a sponsor or point of contact. An employee is allowed to give a speech or keynote address at a political fundraiser, as long as he or she is not on duty, and the employee does not solicit political contributions.