All USDA employees and Intergovernmental Personnel Act detailees should review the Hatch Act memorandum, which provides an overview of the Hatch Act’s rules governing partisan political activity. With the 2024 national, state and local election seasons moving into higher gear, the department is providing this timely reminder of the applicable statutory restrictions on partisan political activity imposed by the Hatch Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 7321-7326).

As noted in this memorandum, the Hatch Act generally prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities (those activities involving a political party or its candidates for elected office) while on duty, or while in the government workplace, or while wearing an official uniform, or while using a government vehicle. Under the Hatch Act, "political activity" is defined as any activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group. Violations of the Hatch Act carry serious penalties, which may result in disciplinary action and can result in one’s removal from federal employment. Remember, whenever you have an Ethics or Hatch Act question, you can, and should, always contact the USDA Office of Ethics. You can easily locate the Office of Ethics advisors assigned to service your mission area or staff office at https://www.usda.gov/oe or call the Office of Ethics’ Hatch Act hotline at (202) 720-2251.

See this and other announcements on OneUSDA.