Be informed, be educated, while participating in political activities

Photo By Shawna Keyes | Voting is one of our most fundamental rights as U.S. citizens, and the Department of Defense encourages all members of the Armed Forces and Federal civilian employees to register and vote. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman Shawna L. Keyes)  

NC, UNITED STATES

08.05.2016

Story by Airman Shawna Keyes 

4th Fighter Wing   

“As a member of the Air Force and a citizen of the United States it is your right and obligation to vote for your next Commander in Chief,” said Chief Master Sgt. Shane Wagner, 4th Fighter Wing command chief. “However, make sure you’re participating within legal bounds and are educated and informed while exercising your part in the democratic process.”

With the presidential election taking place Nov. 8, 2016, a mere three months away, let’s recap some of the dos and don’ts when participating in this year’s election.

According to DOD Directive 1344.10 Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces, posting political candidate information on your personal social media pages is the same thing as campaigning for a political candidate while on active duty, to include handing out brochures or other information to your co-workers.

Airmen can “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,” as stated in AFI 51-902 Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force.

A service member may generally express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues on social media platforms. If that social media site or your post identifies you as an active duty member, then you must clearly and prominently state the views expressed are your own and not those of the DOD or the Air Force.

You can use your social media accounts to like or follow candidates, parties, groups, or causes on their social media accounts, you just can’t share anything from their page on your page or ask your friends to like or share on any of those pages. It is the equivalent of handing out materials according to the DOD.

Military members also cannot participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

Service members are able to wear a political button or t-shirt when not in uniform, performing military duties, or under circumstances that could reasonably give rise to an appearance of official endorsement. However, display political bumper stickers on private vehicles is authorized.

For more dos and don’ts refer to DOD Directive 1344.10 Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces, AFI 51-902 Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force or call the 4th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate office at [phone].

• Date Taken: 08.05.2016
• Date Posted: 09.23.2016 14:03
• Story ID: 210433
• Location: NC, US