Federal supervisors and managers – even if they are "friends" with their subordinates – may advocate for political candidates, parties and causes on Facebook as long as they don’t direct that communication specifically at those subordinates – and again, as long as they’re not doing so while at work and apparently in an official capacity, said OSC.
It said it is OK for federal employees to publish both their official titles and their political affiliation in online profiles on social media websites such as Facebook.
Said OSC, "Although the Hatch Act prohibits using one’s official authority or influence to affect the result of an election, OSC does not view this activity as violating the Hatch Act, provided the supervisor’s statements are directed at all of his Facebook "friends," e.g., if he posted his opinion concerning a candidate in his Facebook "status" field."
It added that such activity is similar to the supervisor placing a placard in his yard promoting a candidate for office that may incidentally be seen by subordinates.
OSC further stated that an employee should not create a Facebook or Twitter page in his or her official capacity and advocate for or against a political party, partisan political group, or partisan candidate on that page.
Likewise, federal agencies may not have a Facebook page that includes a link to the website of a political party, candidate for partisan political office, or partisan political group.
