Overview
Civil Service Law § 107, Public Officers Law § 73(17), and Public Officers Law § 74 prohibit certain political activity in the workplace. In addition, the Commission’s outside activity regulations prohibit certain outside political activities.
What are the restrictions placed on political activity in the workplace?
- A potential employee cannot be asked about their political party affiliation, regardless of whether that applicant made any political contributions or how that applicant voted.
- No person can use his or her official State position to coerce, intimidate or influence other State officers or employees for any political purpose, action or contribution, or interfere with any election.
- State offices may not be used for soliciting or collecting any political contributions.
- No State officer or employee may corruptly use or promise to use any official authority or influence in exchange for political action on another’s part.
Examples of prohibited activities in the workplace
- Circulating a candidate's nominating petition within your office;
- Using the computer in your office after work to produce a brochure in support of a candidate's campaign;
- Sending e-mail invitations to campaign events to friends within the agency; and
- Using New York State internet connections to forward e-mail messages received from a partisan campaign or someone supporting a partisan candidate.
Restrictions outside the workplace
Policy makers, heads of State agencies, and statewide elected officials are prohibited from engaging in certain outside political activities whether the person serves on an unpaid or per diem basis as specified in Part 932.4 of the Commission’s outside activity regulations.
The restrictions include serving as:
- a member, officer, director, board member, or district leader of any party committee
Policy makers, heads of State agencies, and statewide elected officials may serve as a delegate to a state or national party convention.
Applicable Laws
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Civil Service Law § 107
This law, also known as the Little Hatch Act, prohibits certain political activities and against improper influence.
Effective through July 7, 2022
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Public Officers Law § 73 - JCOPE
This law refers to restrictions on the business or professional activities of current and former State officers and employees and political party chairs.
Effective through July 7, 2022
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Public Officers Law § 74
This law is the State Code of Ethics and sets forth the standards to avoid conflict of interest.
Effective through July 7, 2022
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19 NYCRR Part 932 - Outside Activities
Regulation on the approval process for State officers and employees designated as policy makers to pursue outside employment or memberships in boards and other related activities other than their full time State employment.
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Ethics Reminder
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Ethics Reminder: Campaign Season
The Commission periodically releases Ethics Reminders. Each reminder is a brief and easy to understand synopsis of the laws and rules under the Commission’s jurisdiction. Ethics Reminders are issued to assist those subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction in understanding and complying with their obligations under the law.
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Contact The Attorney of the Day
The Commission administers an "Attorney of the Day" program to help provide State officials and employees, lobbyists, and clients of lobbyists with free, confidential advice on navigating the State's ethics and lobbying laws.
Contact us by phone:
Contact us by email:
Mailing Address:
New York State
Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government
540 Broadway
Albany, New York 12207