1. Hatch Act: What You Need to Know
I. What is the Hatch Act?
• A United States federal law whose main provision is to prohibit employees (civil
servants) in the executive branch of the federal government, except the President
and the Vice President, from engaging in partisan political activity.
Political Activity and Restrictions Under the Hatch Act
II. Political Activity is action directed toward the success or failure of:
political party; candidate for partisan political office; or a partisan political group.
Lesser Restricted Employees may:
• Put a bumper sticker on their car/display yard signs.
• Contribute to candidates/political parties/PACs.
• Attend political fundraisers.
• Volunteer on campaigns, including phone banking and passing out flyers.
• Hold office in political clubs/parties.
• Be candidates in nonpartisan elections.
III. The following restrictions apply to all VA Employees at all times:
1. Employees may not use their official authority or influence to affect the result of an
election. (e.g., May not use official VA title while engaging in political activity; May
not ask subordinates to volunteer for a political campaign).
2. Employees may not fundraise for a political party or partisan candidate.
3. Employees may not be a candidate for partisan public office.
4. Employees may not encourage or discourage someone who has business before VA.
to participate in political activity.
IV. The following time, place and manner restriction applies to all VA Employees
except Presidential Appointees with Senate Confirmation*:
Employees may not engage in political activity (i.e., any activity directed toward the
success or failure of a partisan candidate, political party or partisan political
organization):
• While on-duty.
• In any Federal room or building.
• While wearing an official uniform or ID badge.