With the 2014 mid-term Congressional elections approaching, all NPMHU representatives must remain cognizant of the restrictions on political activities that are imposed by the Hatch Act. Thanks to changes that were first enacted in 1993, postal and federal employees are allowed to participate in a wide range of political activities. Some activities remain off limits, however, and it is important to review the rules to make sure you remain within the law as you begin each campaign season.
PERMITTED
- Register and vote as you choose
- Assist in voter registration drives
- Contribute to political campaigns and organizations
- Volunteer on or manage a partisan campaign
- Recruit volunteers for a political campaign
- Raise money for the Mail Handler PAC from other NPMHU members and their families
- Display bumper stickers, lawn signs, and other campaign signs
- Attend a political fundraiser
- Run as a candidate for office in a non-partisan election
- Volunteer, hold an office, or participate in local and state political parties
- Express your opinions about candidates and issues
- Sign petitions
- Participate in political rallies and meetings
- Make campaign speeches for a candidate in a partisan election
- Campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, or municipal ordinances
PROHIBITED
- Run for office in a partisan election
- Raise money for a candidate in a partisan election
- Host a fundraiser at your home
- Solicit political contributions in a speech
- Solicit or receive political contributions or volunteer services from a subordinate employee (unless you are members of the same labor organization)
- Engage in political activities while on duty, in a postal facility or in a postal vehicle, or while wearing an official uniform, postal badge or other postal clothing
- Wear political buttons on duty
- Coerce employees to make a contribution to a campaign
- Participate in non-Mail Handler PAC phone bank solicitations for political contributions
- Allow your name to be used on an invitation or mailing for fundraising purposes
- Display partisan posters on federal or postal premises
- Use your official title to influence or interfere with an election
- Solicit or discourage the political activities of any person with business before the Postal Service