Running in a Partisan Election

The Hatch Act prohibits a Postal Service employee from running for office if the election is partisan – meaning that at least one candidate is running as a representative of a political party, such as the Democratic, Republican, or Green party.

Political activity will offend many of our customers and affect their shipping decisions.

Refraining from conduct that will offend our customers and violate the Hatch Act is smart business.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for more information about the Hatch Act.

Gifts to the Postal Service

• Under the gift acceptance authority, the Postal Service may accept gifts or donations of services or property, real or personal, if they’re deemed necessary or convenient in the transaction of our business.
• To invoke this rule, a Vice President or Officer must submit a statement to the Ethics Office stating the business reason for accepting the gift from an outside source. The Ethics Office will then make the determination as to whether it’s appropriate under statutory authority.

Not accepting a prohibited gift from an outside source helps the Postal Service maintain its reputation as the most trusted federal agency.

And that’s smart business.

Contact the Ethics Office (ethics.help@usps.gov) for guidance on gifts.