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The Hatch Act sets boundaries for political participation

USPS employees must follow this federal law’s guidelines

A woman holds up an “I Voted Today” sticker
Under the Hatch Act, USPS employees can vote in elections, but they are prohibited from engaging in certain partisan political activities.

The Postal Service is reminding employees about the Hatch Act, a law that aims to ensure the federal workforce is free from partisan political influence or coercion.

The law restricts federal workers — including USPS employees — from engaging in certain political activities.

For example, employees cannot do any of the following while on duty, on postal property or in uniform:

• Wear apparel with messages or images for or against a political candidate, party or group;

• Make statements for or against a candidate, political party or partisan political group; or

• Engage in partisan political exchanges on social media.

USPS employees also cannot:

• Run for political office;

• Collect, receive or request donations for a candidate, campaign, political party or political action committee;

• Use their USPS position or title to influence elections;

• Host a political fundraiser or invite anyone to attend a political fundraiser; or

• Place political bumper stickers on mail delivery vehicles.

The Hatch Act does not prohibit Postal Service employees from voting or registering to vote; volunteering for or donating to a campaign; attending a political fundraiser; or serving as a poll watcher, challenger or election judge.

Employees with questions can email the USPS Ethics Office or call 202-268-6346.