The Hatch Act is a Federal law that regulates the political activities of Federal employees and some state and local government workers. The Hatch Act permits Federal employees to actively participate in political activities. There are, however, certain significant restrictions with which employees need to familiarize themselves.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is an independent federal investigative and prosecutorial agency. OSC promotes compliance by government employees with legal restrictions on political activity by providing advisory opinions on, and enforcing, the Hatch Act.

Legal Authority

Statute

5 U.S.C. § 7321 Political Participation
5 U.S.C. § 7322 Definitions
5 U.S.C. § 7323 Political Activity Authorized; Prohibitions
5 U.S.C. § 7324 Political Activities on Duty; Prohibitions
5 U.S.C. § 7325 Political Activity Permitted; Employees Residing in Certain Municipalities
5 U.S.C. § 7326 Penalties

Federal Regulations

5 C.F.R. § 733 Political Activity- Federal Employees Residing in Designated Localities
5 C.F.R. § 734 Political Activities of Federal Employees

Additional Resources
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