Hatch Act

The HHS Secretary Violated the Hatch Act, Office of Special Counsel Determines

“With a presidential election approaching next year, this report offers an opportunity to deter violations by reminding federal employees at all levels of the Hatch Act restrictions,” OSC says.

Feds Would Face New Hatch Act Restrictions on Their Interactions With Private Companies Under a Committee-Backed Bill

Republicans say the measure would prevent government censorship, despite testimony that social media companies acted without federal coercion.

A NOAA Employee Ignored the Hatch Act Repeatedly. It Took a Decade For Him to Be Fired.

The employee ran for Congress several times beginning in 2012, and was warned this was a violation of the law. 

How the Hatch Act Fared in the Lead-Up to the Midterm Elections

Allegations and violations this year were not much different from previous years, according to the Office of Special Counsel. 

How Does Telework Affect The Hatch Act? Election Season Do’s and Don’ts

The fourth installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the midterm elections.

GovExec Daily: Paying Attention to the Hatch Act in 2022

Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss her series on the rules governing feds' political activity.

Can Federal Employees Take Part in Political Campaign Activities? Election Do’s and Don’ts

The third installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the midterm elections.

Can Federal Employees Volunteer for Political Campaigns and Make Contributions? Election Do's and Don'ts

The second installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the midterm elections.

Does the Hatch Act Apply to You? Election Season Do’s and Don’ts

The first installment in a series about the rules and policies federal employees should know ahead of the midterm elections.

The Energy Secretary Received a Warning Following a Hatch Act Violation; Republicans Want More Information

A department spokesperson said this was “a single unintended and unknowing infraction and this complaint is now closed.”

These Three Federal Employees Landed in Hot Water Over Hatch Act Violations

The Office of Special Counsel announced settlements over violations at the U.S. Postal Service, Veterans Affairs Department and U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency.

GovExec Daily: Roe Could Be Near Its End. Can Feds Join Protests?

Lindy Kyzer joins the show to discuss what the Hatch Act says about public political activity.

Can Feds Comment on Roe v. Wade?

The Hatch Act limits political speech, but not personal opinions expressed about politically charged topics.

Most Feds Won't Actually Be Able to Hold Partisan Office and Keep Their Day Jobs, Despite Precedent

Despite a new precedent, OSC does not plan to enter into settlement agreements in which civil servants can concurrently serve in partisan elected positions going forward.

Federal Employees Can Now Concurrently Hold Partisan Elected Office

Holding political office had previously been considered a violation of the Hatch Act.

13 Trump Officials Found to Have Violated the Hatch Act Ahead of 2020 Election

The Trump administration had a “willful disregard” for the law, Office of Special Counsel says.

GovExec Daily: The Hatch Act and the Biden Administration

Courtney Bublé joins the podcast to discuss a new complaint against White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.