last updated: Thursday, July 1, 2004
SUNY employees are encouraged to exercise their constitutional rights to vote and support the political parties and candidates of their choice. However, employees must not engage in political activities at work and they must never use state equipment, space, supplies, or services of any kind in support of such activities. If employees whose positions are supported by federal monies (usually research employees, but, sometimes it relates to State employees) participate in any political activities, such activities may be restricted by the Federal Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act Legislation, sponsored by Senator Carl Hatch of New Mexico (1989-1963) was enacted by the U.S. Congress to eliminate corrupt practices in national elections. The bill was in response to allegations that officials were using their positions to win votes for the Democratic Party in the 1936 election. It prohibited intimidation or bribery of voters and limited political campaign activities by federal employees. In addition to federal employees, the Hatch Act also places restrictions on some state and local government employees who work in connection with federally funded programs.
Employees should contact their Human Resources Office before engaging in political activities to ensure compliance. See the references at the end of this section for additional guidance.
Reference(s):
Ethics
On-Line Training from the Governor's Office of Employee Relations (GOER)
http://www.goer.state.ny.us/Train/onlinelearning/eth/intro.html (old)
http://www.goer.state.ny.us/train/onlinelearning/ETH/intro.html (new)
Hatch Act for State and Local Government
Employees - U.S. Office of Special Counsel
http://www.osc.gov/ha_state.htm
Political Activities
- NYS Ethics Commission
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/ethc/poliacts.html
Section 107 of the NYS
Civil Service law
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?cl=18&a=22