The Hatch Act sets boundaries for political participation

The Postal Service is reminding employees about the Hatch Act, a law that aims to ensure the federal workforce is free from partisan political influence or coercion.

The law restricts federal workers — including USPS employees — from engaging in certain political activities.

For example, employees cannot do any of the following while on duty, on postal property or in uniform:

• Wear apparel with messages or images for or against a political candidate, party or group;

• Make statements for or against a candidate, political party or partisan political group; or

• Engage in partisan political exchanges on social media.

USPS employees also cannot:

• Run for political office;

• Collect, receive or request donations for a candidate, campaign, political party or political action committee;

• Use their USPS position or title to influence elections;

• Host a political fundraiser or invite anyone to attend a political fundraiser; or

• Place political bumper stickers on mail delivery vehicles.

The Hatch Act does not prohibit Postal Service employees from voting or registering to vote; volunteering for or donating to a campaign; attending a political fundraiser; or serving as a poll watcher, challenger or election judge.

Employees with questions can email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346.

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