New Resource! Hatch Act On Duty Prohibition Video

As we get closer to Election Day, we wanted to highlight another video created by our colleagues at the U.S. Office of Special Counsel covering the Hatch Act’s on duty prohibition, which restricts Federal employees from engaging in political activity while on duty, in a Federal room or building, wearing an official uniform or agency insignia, or using a government vehicle.

The video, Hatch Act: On Duty Prohibition, provides information on the Hatch Act’s on duty prohibition, which prohibits Federal employees from engaging in political activity while they are: (1) on duty (including teleworking and official union time); (2) in a Federal room or building; (3) wearing an official uniform or insignia; or (4) using a government owned or leased vehicle. “Political activity” is defined under the Hatch Act as any activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.

Additionally, the video also identifies the types of activities that constitute political activity under the Hatch Act and distinguishes non-political activity as well.  The video likewise explains how the Hatch Act’s on duty prohibition can be violated using email, text messages, blogging, and social media.  Lastly, the video provides specific examples of instances where Federal employees engaged in prohibited political activity while on duty or at work to better explain how this restriction applies in specific instances.

The Department of the Interior’s Departmental Ethics Office (DEO) will continue sharing additional resources and information on the Hatch Act as we get closer to Election Day. If you have any questions about how the Hatch Act would apply to your political activities this election season, please contact a DEO ethics official for guidance.