The politics of social media, where does Hatch Act fit?
By Micah Garbarino Micah Garbarino –> Posted: 02:13 PM Friday, October 22, 2010 Wherever politics are involved the potential exists for things to get murky. For federal employees and servicemembers who are politically active, there are guidelines to follow when election season rolls around. Servicemembers are bound by Department of Defense directives and federal employees must adhere to the rules of the Hatch Act. Those rules have been in place for a long time, but with the advent of social media sights such as Facebook and Twitter, it can be hard to see where a line is crossed. A new guidance paper from the Office of Special Counsel was recently released that helps clear the picture for federal employees on how the Hatch Act influences social media activity. Some highlights: Can federal employees write a partisan political blog? Yes, as long as they do not do so from the workplace or while on duty or use their official title, position or authority – in short they should not identify
