1.8.4.12

POLITICAL ACTIVITY

1. A. An officer or employee of this agency may not use their official position to pressure others to participate in political activities.
2. B. An officer or employee of this agency may not use their official position to influence an election or nomination, or otherwise engage in any partisan political activity while on duty.
3. C. An officer or employee of this agency may not serve as an officer of a political organization.
4. D. An officer or employee of this agency may not use or allow others to use state money or property to promote a political campaign, candidate for elected office, political party, or other partisan political organization.
5. E. An officer or employee of this agency who becomes a candidate in a partisan election must take a leave of absence upon filing for or accepting the candidacy.
6. F. An employee whose salary is paid completely, directly or indirectly, by loans or grants made by the United States or a Federal agency is covered by the provisions of the Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. Sections 1501 to 1508, and, therefore, may not be a candidate for a partisan political elective office.

7. G. An officer or employee of this agency may participate in political activities while off duty, including:

   1. (1) donating to political candidates;
   2. (2) volunteering or working for a political campaign or political organization, so long as the officer’s or employee’s work does not violate any applicable conflict-of-interest provision of this rule or statute; and
   3. (3) being a candidate in an election for or holding non-partisan political office, such as non-partisan county or municipal office or a seat on a local school board.

[1.8.4.12 NMAC-N, 1/1/2021]