Midterm elections are almost here — a good time to review provisions of the Hatch Act. A new pamphlet outlines how the Hatch Act applies to federal employees, including all postal employees.
The Hatch Act prohibits you from engaging in political activity while on duty, in any government office, wearing an official uniform or using a government vehicle. The law also prohibits you from distributing partisan political messages at work, or using a USPS computer or phone to make a political contribution. Employees who violate this law risk losing their jobs.
You can place political bumper stickers on your personal vehicles, but if your car is parked on postal or other government property, the Hatch Act limits to one the number of visible bumper stickers on the vehicle. If your vehicle is used for postal business, you must cover all political bumper stickers during the time it’s used for official work.
So how can you participate in the political process? You can register to vote and support your candidates by voting; . take part in registration drives and contribute money to political organizations; and be a candidate for public office, but only in nonpartisan elections.
For more information, you can find frequently asked questions about the Hatch Act on LiteBlue. You also can contact your local Field Law Office, call the Ethics Helpline at 202-268-6346 or send an email toethics.help@usps.gov.