Air Force graphic Dos and don'ts during this political season 10/19/2010 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England  -- To ensure that the Department of Defense does not influence our nation's electoral process, special ethics rules apply to both active duty members and civilian employees regarding political activities. Here's a quick list of the main "dos and don'ts" that you should be familiar with. For more in depth coverage of these rules, please see AFI 51-902 and the Hatch Act (5 USCA 7324). Active Duty Members DO: Register, vote, and express your opinions on political candidates and issues (including writing letters to newspaper editors) in a personal capacity, not as a representative of the Armed Forces   Encourage other military members to exercise their voting rights--but don't encourage your subordinates to vote for or against a particular issue or candidate   Contribute money to political organizations and candidates, if you choose   Join a political club and attend political meetings and rallies when not in uniform   Display a political sticker on your private vehicle DON'T: Use your official authority, influence, or government resources, including e-mail, to interfere with an election, solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or solicit political contributions from others   Attend a partisan political event as an official representative of the Armed Forces   Speak at any gathering or participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate   Display a partisan political sign, poster, or banner, visible to the public at your on-base house Violations of AFI 51-902 are punishable under Art 92 of the UCMJ--failure to obey a lawful regulation Federal Employees DO: Register, vote, and express your opinions on political candidates and issues in a personal capacity   Contribute money to political organizations and candidates   Attend political fundraising functions; join and be an active member of a political party or club   Campaign for or against candidates in partisan elections DON"T: Use your official authority or influence, or government resources, including e-mail to interfere with an election, solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or solicit political contributions from others   Solicit or discourage political activity of anyone doing business with your agency   Solicit or receive political contributions   Engage in political activity while: On duty In a government office Wearing an official uniform Using a government vehicle Wear partisan political buttons on duty Violations of the Hatch Act are grounds for disciplinary action