Voting do’s and don’ts


Can – Sign a petition for 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.

Cannot – Conduct a political opinion survey under the auspices of a partisan political group or distribute partisan political literature.

Can – 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.

Cannot – Allow or cause to be published partisan political articles signed or written by the member that solicits votes for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

Can – Make monetary contributions to a political organization, party or committee favoring a particular candidate or candidates, subject to the limitations of law.

Cannot – Make a contribution to another member of the Armed Forces or a civilian officer or employee of the United States for the purpose of promoting a political objective or cause, including a political campaign.

Cannot – Solicit or receive a contribution from another member of the Armed Forces or a civilian officer or employee of the United States for the purpose of promoting a political objective or cause, including a political campaign.

Cannot – Solicit or otherwise engage in fundraising activities in Federal offices or facilities, including military reservations, for a partisan political cause or candidate.

Can – Display a political sticker on a private vehicle.

Cannot – Display a large political sign, banner, or poster (as distinguished from a bumper sticker) on the top or side of a private vehicle.

Can – Attend political meetings or rallies as a spectator when not in uniform.

Cannot – Attend partisan political events as an official representative of the Armed Forces.

Cannot – Participate in partisan political management, campaigns, or conventions (except as a spectator when not in uniform), or make public speeches in the course thereof.

Cannot – Perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee during a campaign or on an election day.

Cannot – Use official authority or influence to: interfere with an election, affect the course or outcome of an election, solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or require or solicit political contributions from others.

Cannot – Use contemptuous words against the officeholders described in 10 U.S.C.