Remember guidelines during election time

  • Published
  • By Nick DeCicco
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Participating at the voting polls on primary day Feb. 5 is something all Airmen and civilian federal employees are encouraged to do.

California's primary is part of what is being dubbed "Super Duper Tuesday."
Twenty-four states will hold their primaries or caucuses, resulting in the largest single-day of multi-state primaries in the nation's history.

But there are subtleties for those in and out of uniform beyond casting a vote on the historic day that may not be so obvious.

For servicemembers and civilian employees, two general guidelines apply: Use of government facilities or resources for political purposes is prohibited, as is any activity which would imply Air Force endorsement.

The big addition to that for military personnel is that participation at any event while being dressed in uniform is prohibited. However, appearance in civilian clothes is acceptable.

"Going out in uniform seems like what you see on television a lot," said Capt. Christine Hinkle, chief of civil law with the 60th Air Mobility Wing legal office. "When it's a partisan event, they shouldn't be in uniform doing that because that implies the Air Force's endorsement."

Captain Hinkle said she believes some Airmen and members of other parts of the service may do so because they're not aware of the rules or they're misunderstanding what they see on TV.

"I think the word doesn't get out as much as it should regarding ethics rules," she said. "They've seen people on TV, maybe on CNN in uniform, but they're doing so in their official capacity talking about the war, not in support of a particular candidate."

Although there are a number of restrictions, both may do such things as make monetary contributions to a political organization or display a political sticker on a private vehicle.

Captain Hinkle said that although there are restrictions, it's important for everyone to participate in elections not only because it's part of a vital democracy, but because some issues and candidates can affect Airmen and civilian employees directly.

"It affects your manning, it affects your mission, it affects everything," she said. "When they're the ones who control your pay raise, it's important."

For more on what is and is not appropriate behavior regarding the election, contact Captain Hinkle via e-mail at christine.hinkle@travis.af.mil or by phone at 424-1168.