Political Activity Restrictions for Military Members
In the US, the constitutional tradition of a politically neutral military establishment under civilian control includes nonpartisanship by the military and the elimination of undue military influence on the political process.
This principle of political neutrality is also applicable to federal employees under the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act protects the tenure of federal employees by separating political activity from employment, promotion, and dismissal actions, and removes federal employees from the arena of political activity.
Members are allowed and encouraged to participate personally in the political process, including voting or supporting a particular candidate, organization or issue.
Care must be taken to insulate personal views from actions that could be perceived as representing the service.
Military members may:
Register and vote in any election
Express personal opinions as individuals citizens on candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the military
Make voluntary campaign contributions to political parties or organizations, subject to certain limitations
Attend partisan and nonpartisan political gatherings as spectators when not in uniform
Campaign for, and hold, elective partisan and non-partisan civil office if held in a private capacity which does not interfere with the performance of military duties as long as they are not serving on extended active duty (in excess of 270 days)
Members may not:
Campaign or solicit votes or contributions in his official military capacity or on any military installation
Attend partisan political events in uniform or as a representative of the Armed Forces
Be a candidate for office except as authorized by DoDD 1344.10
Display partisan signs in base housing
Use of base facilities, clubs, and meeting areas to support partisan campaign activities is prohibited.
Traditional Guard members are not restricted in their political activities to the same extent as active duty Title 10 personnel.
There are more restrictions on political activities of federal technicians than on traditional Guard members.
Reservists and guardsman on active duty Title 10 orders for more than 30 days must comply with the active duty rules.
