Participating in the political process – do's and don’ts

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jason Pallo
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Legal Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Election season is right around the corner. While all members of the military are strongly encouraged to participate in the democratic process they have sworn to support and defend, there are certain rules uniformed service members must follow.

Here's a quick reference of activities military members can and can't do in regards to political activity.

Military members may:
  • Register to vote, vote, and express personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as representatives of the Air Force.
  • Make monetary contributions to a political organization or political committee.
  • Attend political meetings or rallies as a spectator when not in uniform.
  • Join a political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform.
  • Display a political sticker on their private vehicle or wear a political button when not in uniform and not on duty.
  • Serve as an election official, if such service is not as a representative of a partisan political party, does not interfere with military duties, is performed while out of uniform and has the prior approval of the major command commander or equivalent authority.
  • Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing their personal views concerning public issues if those views do not attempt to promote a partisan political cause.
Military members may not:
  • Uses official authority or influence to interfere with an election
  • Be a candidate for civil office or hold civil office, except as authorized by Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 and Air Force Instruction 51-902.
  • Participate in partisan political management, campaigns, conventions, or make public speeches in the course of such activities.
  • Serve in any official capacity or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club.
  • Speak before a partisan political gathering of any kind.
  • Advocate a partisan party, candidate, or cause through any sort of media.
  • March or ride in a partisan political parade.
  • Participate in any organized effort to provide voters with transportation to the polls if the effort is organized by or associated with a partisan political party or candidate
  • Attend, as an official representative of the Armed Forces, partisan political events, even without actively participating.
  • Make campaign contributions to a partisan political candidate.
  • Use contemptuous words against office holders described in Article 88, Uniform Code of Military Justice, and AFI 51-902.
  • Display a large political sign, banner, or poster on the top or side of their private vehicle or from their residence on a military installation.
Moreover, military members are encouraged to express their political views as long as it is done in a way that does not imply backing by the military. For more information, contact the Vance Legal Office, 213-7404.