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The Hatch Act: Do’s and Don’t’s

Learn about the Hatch Act, which sets strict rules on what federal employees can and cannot do in elections. It applies to all federal workers, and violations carry serious penalties.
Published: September 23, 2025

The Hatch Act is the law that sets limits on what federal employees can and cannot do in connection with elections and political activities. The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) enforces this law and has created the one-page poster below to help employees understand what actions are permitted or prohibited during an election.

The Hatch Act applies to all federal employees, and violations carry very serious penalties. If you are unsure whether a particular action may violate the law, contact your UniServ attorney or the FEA Washington Legal Office before proceeding.

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