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With the 2010 elections approaching, television newscasts and newspaper articles are filled with the latest news about the candidates running for various offices.
Though exercising a right to vote is the duty of all Americans, military and civilian federal employees should understand the laws and regulations that outline what constitutes appropriate participation in the political process.
Although the rules for civilian employees are slightly less restrictive, there are common provisions that apply to both civilian employees and military members.
The provisions for federal employees are published in the 5 U.S.C. 7321, “The Hatch Act,” DODD 1344.10 and Air Force Instruction 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force.
Federal employees are encouraged to participate in the political process. However, these rules are established to ensure that partisan politics and government service are properly and reasonably attenuated to avoid even the appearance of official endorsement of candidates or issues.
For more details, call the Electronic Systems Center Ethics Office at 781-266-0139.
Civilian Employees May:
• Be candidates for public office in nonpartisan elections.
• Register and vote as they choose.
• Express opinions about candidates and issues.
• Contribute money to political organizations.
• Attend and be active at political rallies and meetings.
• Join and be an active member of a political party or club.
• Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections.
• Make campaign speeches for candidates in partisan elections.
• Distribute campaign literature in partisan elections.
• Hold office in political clubs or parties, including serving as a delegate to a convention.
Civilian Employees May Not:
• Use their official authority or influence to interfere with an election.
• Knowingly solicit or discourage the political activity of any person who has business before the agency.
• Engage in political activity while on duty.
• Engage in political activity in any government office.
• Engage in political activity while wearing an official uniform.
• Engage in political activity while using a government vehicle.
• Wear political buttons on duty.
Servicemembers May:
• Register, vote and express opinions on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the U.S. armed forces.
• Attend partisan or nonpartisan political meetings, rallies or conventions as a spectator and not in uniform.
• Display bumper stickers on a personally owned vehicle or wear campaign buttons on civilian clothes.
• Write a letter to the editor regarding public issues, but cannot promote a partisan political cause or candidate.
Servicemembers May Not:
• Participate in partisan political campaigns, except as a spectator, or make public speeches related to such activity.
• Use official government authority or influence to interfere with or affect the outcome of an election.
• Publish articles or opinions promoting or discouraging partisan political issues or candidates.
• Run for or hold civil office.
• Take an active role in partisan political activity, including serving in an official capacity, advocating in media, marching in parades or actively promoting fundraisers.
