Bagley v. Washington Township Hospital District

In the present case we consider once again the constitutionality of restraints imposed upon the political activities of a public employee. We once again review the factors which circumscribe the power of the government to exact as a condition of public employment a waiver of constitutional rights.

We have recently held that only a “compelling” public interest can justify the imposition of restraints upon the political activities of public employees and that, “It must appear that the restrictions . . . are not broader than are required to preserve the efficiency and integrity of the public…