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The right to vote

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cassandra Locke
  • Editor
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  It's the right of the American citizen to vote in an election, but as the current national and local elections reach their conclusion in the coming days, Airmen should consider what political actions are acceptable and prohibited.

In accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force, Airmen have a right to register to vote, vote and express a personal opinion on candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Air Force.

According to Capt. Joe Pera, 43rd Airlift Wing Legal Office, Airmen can attend political meetings or rallies when not in uniform. He said Airmen may wear a political button when not in uniform or on duty.

"While Airmen may display a bumper sticker on their POV, they may not display large political signs or banners on the top or side of their POV," he said.

Some things that Airmen are prohibited to do are use official authority or influence to interfere with an election, solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or to require or solicit political contributions from others. According to Captain Pera, participation in partisan political management, campaigns or conventions, or making political speeches in the course of such activity is prohibited as well.

Military members may:
- Register and vote as they choose.
- Display a bumper sticker on a privately-owned vehicle.
- Make monetary contributions to a political organization.
- Encourage other military members to exercise their voting rights.
- Join a political club and attend its meetings -- but not in uniform.
- Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing personal views on political issues. When writing a letter, a military member may not use a duty title or Air Force letterhead.

Military members may not:
- Engage in any political activities while on duty or in uniform. .
- Use their official authority or influence to interfere with an election or influence others.
- Be a candidate for, or hold, civil office (with very limited, nonpartisan, exceptions).
- May not wear a political button on duty.

Civilian employees may:
- Register and vote as they choose.
- Express opinions about candidates and issues.
- Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections.
- Be an active member of a political party.
- Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections.
- Display a political button off duty or a bumper sticker on a privately-owned vehicle.

Civilian employees may not:
- Engage in any political activity while on duty or in any government office or in uniform or using any government vehicle.
- Use their official authority to influence or interfere with an election or influence others.
- May not wear a political button on duty.

For more information on your voting rights go to www.fvap.gov or call AMC/JA at 229-0006 or the 43rd AW Legal Office at 394-1526.

(Courtesy of the 43rd Airlift Wing legal office and AMC/JA)