Is there a penalty for violating the Hatch Act?

​The penalty structure for violations of the Hatch Act by federal employees includes removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal employment for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000.

What happens when you violate the Hatch Act?

An employee who violates the Hatch Act is subject to a range of disciplinary actions, including removal from federal service, reduction in grade, debarment from federal service for a period not to exceed 5 years, suspension, letter of reprimand, or a civil penalty not to exceed $1000.

What is an example of a Hatch Act violation?

These violations include: using official authority to interfere with an election result; soliciting, accepting or receiving political contributions; soliciting or discouraging political activity of persons before the employing agency; and running for public office in a partisan political election.

Do political bumper stickers violate the Hatch Act?

You may display a partisan political bumper sticker on your privately owned vehicle and park it in a Federal parking lot. Up to two partisan political bumper stickers (for example, one for candidate A in a Presidential race and one for candidate B in a congressional race) would not violate the Hatch Act.

Can federal employees hold elected office?

Federal employees may not seek public office in partisan elections, use their official title or authority when engaging in political activity, solicit or receive contributions for partisan political candidates or groups, and engage in political activity while on duty.

What is political activity under the Hatch Act?

The Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326, restricts Federal employee involvement in partisan political activity. Partisan political activity is any activity directed toward the success or failure of a partisan candidate, political party, or partisan political group.

Can you campaign on government property?

All Department of Justice employees are subject to the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. 7323(a) and 7324(a), which generally prohibits Department employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty, in a federal facility or using federal property.

What does the Hatch Act prohibit?

The Hatch Act of 1939, An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities, is a United States federal law. Its main provision prohibits civil service employees in the executive branch of the federal government, except the president and vice president, from engaging in some forms of political activity.

Can a federal employee run for political office?

Are postal employees under the Hatch Act?

The Hatch Act specifically prohibits USPS employees from running for election to a partisan political office. Penalties for Hatch Act violations range from reprimand or suspension to removal and debarment from federal employment and may include a civil fine.

Does the Hatch Act apply to the president?

The Hatch Act Amendments of 1993 apply to all employees in the executive branch of the Federal Government, other than the President and Vice President.

Who is covered under the Hatch Act?