Tennessee § 2-19-202 - Interference with election or nomination.

§ 2-19-202. Interference with election or nomination.

It is unlawful for any public officer or employee to use such person's official position, authority or influence to interfere with an election or nomination for office or directly or indirectly attempt to intimidate, coerce or command any other officer or employee to vote for or against any measure, party or person, or knowingly receive or pay assessments of any kind or character for political purposes or for election expenses from any other officer or employee. It is the intent of this section to prohibit any political intimidation or coercion of any public officer or employee. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1937. Attorney General Opinions. The Tennessee Hatch Act would not prohibit a county teacher from qualifying and running as a candidate for partisan political office. However, only the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (“OSC”) is authorized to issue advisory opinions under the federal Hatch Act, including opinions on whether an individual’s proposed political activity is prohibited under the Act. OAG 17-54, 2017 Tenn. AG LEXIS 53 (12/13/2017).