As campaign season heats up, it’s a good time for those serving the mission to get a refresher on the Hatch Act. The federal law passed in 1939 governs political activities in the federal workforce, which recently, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro may have violated.
The Hatch Act sets clear boundaries for federal employees, ensuring that while they can engage in certain political activities, they must remain nonpartisan while in their official capacities. For instance, federal employees can vote, attend political fundraisers, and donate to political causes. However, they are strictly prohibited from making partisan statements in an official role, such as while in uniform or in federal service settings.
Military members are held accountable for their political activities under the DoD Directive 1344.10 and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which has its own set of restrictions. That includes the prohibition of displaying political signs in base housing or attending fundraisers in uniform.
Even those in political appointments must be careful not to use their official position to make partisan statements, as doing so can undermine the integrity of federal roles.
The Hatch Act is in place to ensure that federal employees and service members uphold the values of neutrality and fairness in their roles. Check out the full video for more.
