Publications

Military Families and Political Activity

As we enter a Presidential election year, it is important to remember that family members of service members DO NOT have any restrictions on political activity. However, as enthusiasm for the election increases, you might be tempted to include your service member spouse in your activities. It is important to understand the do’s and don’ts before you start.

Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 1344.10 covers political activities by members of the armed services on active duty. According to 1344.10, a member of the armed forces may:

• Register, vote, and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the armed forces.
• Promote and encourage others to exercise their voting franchise, if such promotion does not constitute use of their official authority or influence to interfere with the outcome of any election.
• Join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform, subject to the restrictions of subparagraph 4.1.2.4 (See DoD Instruction 1334.1 (Reference (c).)
• Serve as an election official, if such service is not as a representative of a partisan political party, does not interfere with the performance of military duties, is performed when not in uniform, and the Secretary concerned has given prior approval. The Secretary concerned may NOT delegate the authority to grant or deny such permission.
• Sign a petition for a specific legislative action or a petition to place a candidate’s name on an official election ballot, if the signing does not obligate the member to engage in partisan political activity and is done as a private citizen and not as a representative of the armed forces.
• Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing the member’s personal views on public issues or political candidates, if such action is not part of an organized letter-writing campaign or a solicitation of votes for or against a political party or partisan political cause or candidate. If the letter identifies the member as on active duty (or if the member is otherwise reasonably identifiable as a member of the armed forces), the letter should clearly state that the views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of the Department of Defense (or Department of Homeland Security for members of the Coast Guard).
• Make monetary contributions to a political organization, party, or committee favoring a particular candidate or slate of candidates, subject to the limitations under section 441a of title 2, United States Code (U.S.C.) (Reference 9d)); section 607 of title 18, U.S.C. (Reference 9e)); and other applicable law.
• Display a political bumper sticker on the member’s private vehicle.
• Attend partisan and nonpartisan political fundraising activities, meetings, rallies, debates, conventions, or activities as a spectator when not in uniform and when no inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement can reasonably be drawn.
• Participate fully in the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

DoD Directive 1344.10 also prohibits certain political activities. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the restrictions before starting any political activity.

If a military family member is a federal or state employee there may be restrictions to your political activity. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel has established a website outlining federal employee’s rights and restrictions. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the process before you start. When in doubt – ask!