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POLITICAL ACTIVITY

State employees are entitled to vote and express political opinions as they choose.  However, they may not:

  • Directly or indirectly solicit or receive or be in any manner concerned in soliciting or receiving any assessment, subscription, monetary or non-monetary contribution for a political purpose from anyone who is in the same department and who is a subordinate; or
  • Engage in any political activity during the hours of his or her State employment or engage in political activity to secure a preference for a promotion, transfer or increase in pay.

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POSITIONS FINANCED BY FEDERAL GRANTS OR LOANS

The (federal) Hatch Act restricts the political activity of employees whose work is related to programs financed wholly or in part by federal grants or loans.  Employees covered by the Hatch Act are prohibited from:

  • Running for public office in a partisan election;
  • Using official authority or influence to affect the results of an election or nomination for office; and
  • Directly or indirectly advising or coercing other covered State or local employees to contribute or loan anything of value to a political party or candidate.

The act does not prohibit employees from participating in political campaigns, political parties or organizations.  It also does not prevent appointment of a person currently holding partisan elective office to a position covered by this act but it would prohibit any future candidacy for partisan office.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES