(a) No officer, agent, clerk or employee of this state shall directly or indirectly use his authority or official influence to compel any officer or employee covered by the provisions of this act to apply for membership in or become a member of any organization, or to pay or promise to pay any assessment, subscription or contribution, or to take part in any political activity. Any person who violates any provisions of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, upon conviction, be punished accordingly, and if any officer or employee in a position covered by this act is found guilty of violating any provision of this section, he is automatically separated from the service.

(b) Any officer or employee covered by the provisions of this act shall resign from the service upon filing as a candidate for public office.