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The Hatch Act (1939): An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities

The Hatch Act (1939): An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities. Sarah Bishop Victoria Kressler Nevada Heft Emily Saeger. Causes. Political Machines Political Organizations/Groups Bribed immigrants by providing welfare in return for support at the polls

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The Hatch Act (1939): An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities

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  1. The Hatch Act (1939): An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities Sarah Bishop Victoria Kressler Nevada Heft Emily Saeger

  2. Causes • Political Machines • Political Organizations/Groups • Bribed immigrants by providing welfare in return for support at the polls • Mostly Democrats • A widespread accusation that the Works Progress Administration’s (WPA) funds had been misused by staff members during the Congressional Elections of 1938 was the impetus that led to the creation of the Hatch Act • The staff members were trying to win votes for the Democratic Party

  3. Overview • Passed in 1939, later amended in 1993 • Restricts the political activity of executive branch employees of the federal government, the DC government, and some state and local employees who work in connection with federally funded programs • The Hatch Act applies to these government employees both on and off duty • Disciplinary actions such as removal from political position can occur in response to a violation • This year there were nearly twice the amount of citations for Hatch Act violations than the standard year due to the election

  4. Acceptable Actions for Federal Employees • Register and vote as they choose • Assist in voter registration drives • Express opinions about candidates and issues • Participate in campaigns where none of the candidates represent a political party • Contribute money to political organizations or attend political fund raising functions • Attend political rallies and meetings • Join political clubs or parties • Sign nominating petitions • Campaign for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, municipal ordinances

  5. Unacceptable Actions for Federal Employees • Be candidates for public office in partisan elections • Campaign for or against a candidate or slate of candidates in partisan elections • Make campaign speeches • Collect contributions or sell tickets to political fund raising functions • Distribute campaign material in partisan elections • Organize or manage political rallies and meetings • Hold office in political clubs or parties • Circulate nominating petitions • Work to register voters for one party only • Wear political buttons at work

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