Avoiding political turmoil: The Dos and Don'ts for Airmen Published Feb. 6, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Jacob R. McCarthy Nellis AFB Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- With the Presidential campaign heating up and the candidates pressing the flesh for much-needed votes all across the country, Airmen may wonder how they can participate in the process without landing themselves into political "hot water." Luckily it's all spelled out for them in black and white, and the answers may be surprising. THE "DOs" The Department of Defense has gone through great lengths to allow servicemembers to maintain equal rights with their civilian counterparts. There are a few hooks to the process, but just a reminder, here are the specifics. Airmen on active-duty status may: --Register and vote in local, state and federal elections. --Express personal opinions regarding political candidates and issues, but not as representatives of the Armed Forces. --Promote and encourage other servicemembers to vote as long as there's no attempt to influence other votes. --Join a political party or club and attend meetings while not in uniform. --Sign petitions as long as signing doesn't obligate Airmen to engage in partisan politics and is done as a private citizen, not as an Airman. --Serve as election officials, as long as it's done from a nonpartisan position, doesn't interfere with official duties, is performed when not in uniform and has appropriate approval. --Write letters to publications expressing their personal views as long as it's not part of a partisan attempt to influence votes. --Make monetary contributions to a political party, organization or committee favoring a particular candidate. --Display political stickers on their privately owned vehicle. --Attend partisan and nonpartisan political meetings as spectators while not in uniform. THE "DON'Ts" On the flip side, there are certain political activities Airmen are not allowed to participate in. Airmen on active-duty status may not: --Use their official authority to influence or solicit votes to affect the outcome of an election. --Be candidates for civil office in federal, state or local government, except in special circumstances. --Participate in partisan political management, campaigns or conventions, except as spectators when not in uniform. --Make or receive contributions to or from other servicemembers with the intent of promoting political objectives. --Publish partisan political articles written to solicit votes, influence a campaign or promote a cause. --Serve or speak in any official capacity at a partisan political club, party or organization. --Participate in radio, television or any other programs that influence any partisan political party, candidate or cause. --Conduct any partisan political surveys. --Perform clerical duties for partisan political parties during a campaign or on an election day. --Engage in fundraising in federal offices for a partisan political cause or candidate. --Participate in a partisan political parade. --Display any banner or sign larger than a bumper stick on the top or side of a private vehicle. --Provide transportation to other voters to polling stations as part of an organized partisan political effort. --Promote fundraising events for partisan political parties, organizations or clubs. --Attend partisan political events as official representatives of the Armed Forces. One thing to consider when deciding to engage in a certain political event is whether or not it is partisan in nature. What does that mean exactly? A partisan political activity is one that supports candidates or issues specifically identified with national or state political parties and associated organizations. Supporting Democratic candidates or participating in Republican functions are some examples. As long as Airmen steer clear and follow specific DoD guidance, their involvement in political activities can serve their own purposes, while adhering to government standards. For more detailed information on specific policies listed above, review DoD Directive 1344.10--Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty.
