Airmen need to heed Hatch Act rules Published Sept. 22, 2004 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- As the election season swings into high gear, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel has filed complaints against two federal employees deemed in violation of the Hatch Act.The complaints address the use of "politically partisan electronic-mail messages while on duty," OSC officials said.The Hatch Act regulates DOD employees' and servicemembers' participation in politics. The recent violations focus on e-mails sent to about 15 recipients in one case and more than 70 in the other."The use of Internet and electronic mail is second-nature to almost everyone and has become a favorite and effective campaign tool, even more so perhaps than four years ago," said Scott Bloch, OSC head. "I want to remind federal employees to be vigilant about following the Hatch Act, because we will consider this activity a form of electronic leafleting and thus a violation of the prohibition on partisan political activity in the workplace."Partisan political activity is defined as activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party or candidate for a partisan political office or partisan political group.Participation in politics is not completely forbidden; however, active-duty military and executive-branch employees need to be aware of the rights and restrictions that the Hatch Act imposes on such activity. What is allowed and disallowed can be a bit confusing.Servicemembers are under the most restrictions. They may attend political meetings or rallies, but only as spectators and not in uniform. They are not allowed to give political speeches, serve in any official capacity in partisan groups or participate in political campaigns or conventions.They are also not generally allowed to campaign for political office.In its essence, the Hatch Act prohibits federal executive-branch employees from engaging in political activity while on duty or wearing an official uniform, officials said. (Courtesy of American Forces Press Service)