USPS: Hatch Act makes most politicking off limits

The Hatch Act prohibits USPS and other federal employees from engaging in political activity in the workplace.

The 2020 presidential primary season is around the corner, and so USPS is reminding employees to follow the rules established under the Hatch Act.

The Hatch Act is a law that prohibits postal and other federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty, while wearing a uniform, while on federal property, or while inside a federal vehicle.

These rules apply to activities on behalf of — or in opposition to — a candidate, a political party or a political group.

Postal Service employees are prohibited from:

  • Using their postal authority to influence the results of an election or the political activity of contractors, vendors or others
  • Being candidates in partisan elections
  • Engaging in political fundraising

There also are restrictions on employees’ use of social media in connection with political activities.

Postal employees may participate in nonpartisan political activities, but should consult the Ethics Office at ethics.help@usps.gov to ensure that such activities are purely nonpartisan.

Throughout 2019, the Postal Service is educating employees about the federal government’s principles and standards of ethical conduct.

Other topics recently covered include seeking employment after leaving USPS, avoiding financial conflicts of interesting involving close relatives and general community service activities.

Source: USPS

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