Political guidelines highlight do's and dont's during election time Published Oct. 15, 2008 60th Air Mobility Wing Legal Office TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- With election season upon us, political organizations around the country are swinging into action with calls for volunteers and contributions. If you want to get involved, it is important that you obey certain guidelines to help the Air Force maintain a politically neutral establishment. First and foremost, you may not participate in any political activities while on duty or in uniform. It is important to keep your political activities separate from your position in the Air Force - work and politics just don't mix. When not in uniform, however, you are free to express personal opinions, attend meetings or rallies and sign petitions. Small bumper stickers and political buttons are even allowed, so long as they are respectful of the state and nation's leaders. Some activities, however, are prohibited even on your own time. For example, while you are free to attend a candidate rally or meeting, you may not be a speaker at one. Lawn signs are not permitted on military installations in accordance with Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces of Active Duty, dated Feb. 19, 2008. In addition, the base housing rental contract for homes on Travis prohibits signs of any type. What you may do: · Register, vote and express personal opinions on political candidates and issues · Make monetary contributions to a partisan political organization · Display a normal-size political bumper sticker on a private vehicle · Join a partisan political club · Attend partisan political meetings, rallies or fundraisers as a spectator when not in uniform and when no inference of official endorsement can reasonably be drawn · Promote and encourage others to exercise the right to vote What you may not do: · Participate in partisan political fundraising activities, rallies, conventions, campaign management or debates regardless of whether in uniform or whether an inference of endorsement can be drawn · Publish partisan political articles that solicit votes for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or cause · Work for a partisan political campaign or candidate · Speak before a partisan political gathering · Wear a military uniform at election events · March or ride in a partisan political parade · Display a large political sign, banner, or poster on a private vehicle · Display a partisan political sign visible to the public at one's residence on a military installation · Use government resources to further political activities As a general rule, you may get involved so long as you don't promote a particular political party or candidate and your involvement doesn't interfere with your duties. For more information on political activities, contact the Base Legal Office at 424-3251.