PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS// SUBJ: DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ADDRESSEES PASS TO ALL SUBORDINATE COMMANDS REFS: ...:

RTTUZYUW RUEWMCS0000 3471554-UUUU--RUCRNAD.
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NAVADMIN 382/11 (CORRECTED COPY)

MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/DNS/DEC//

SUBJ: PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL 
CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS// 

POC/MS. NANCY HARRITY/CIV/CHINFO/TEL: (703) 695-1887/EMAIL: 
nancy.harrity@navy.mil// 
REF/A/MSG/SECDEF/271449ZAPR10//
AMPN/REF A IS SECDEF ELECTION YEAR POLICY PAG MSG//

RMKS/1. REF A IS QUOTED BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS GUIDANCE, 
PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE ON POLICIES FOR ELECTION YEAR
SUPPORT. REQUEST WIDEST DISSEMINATION WITHIN YOUR COMMANDS.

2. COMMANDS SHOULD CAREFULLY EVALUATE REQUESTS AND EVENTS RELATING 
TO MILITARY PERSONNEL OR INSTALLATIONS THAT INVOLVE POLITICAL 
ACTIVITY BY LOCAL, STATE OR NATIONAL CANDIDATES.  PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICERS SHOULD BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THIS GUIDANCE AND ADVISE THE
CHAIN OF COMMAND AS REQUIRED.

3. QUESTIONS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THIS GUIDANCE SHOULD BE REFERRED TO
MS. NANCY HARRITY, OI-82, HEAD, POLICY, DOCTRINE, AND TECHNOLOGY AT 
(703) 695-1887 OR EMAIL: nancy.harrity@navy.mil.
QUOTE
UNCLASSIFIED//
271449Z APR 10
FROM PLA: SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//PA//
FROM D/N: C:US,O:U.S. GOVERNMENT,OU:DOD,OU:OSD,OU:ORGANIZATIONS,
L:WASHINGTON DC,OU:ASD(PUBLIC AFFAIRS)(UC)
SUBJECT: DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL 
CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ADDRESSES 
PASS TO ALL SUBORDINATE COMMANDS
TEXT:
SUBJ: DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ADDRESSEES PASS TO ALL SUBORDINATE 
COMMANDS
REFS:
A. SECDEF MSG 281449Z JAN 08, DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE 
CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS.
B. DOD DIRECTIVE 1344.10, POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED
FORCES ON ACTIVE DUTY.
C. 5 U.S.C. 7321-7326, THE HATCH ACT OF 1939, AS AMENDED IN 1993.
D. 5 C.F.R. PARTS 733-734, POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
E. DOD DIRECTIVE 5230.9, CLEARANCE OF DOD INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC 
RELEASE.
F. DOD INSTRUCTION 5120.4, DOD NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES AND CIVILIAN 
ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS.
G. DOD INSTRUCTION 1100.13, SURVEYS OF DOD PERSONNEL.
H. DOD DIRECTIVE 5120.20, ARMED FORCES RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICE 
(AFRTS).
I. DOD REGULATION 5120.20-R, MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF AFRTS
J. DOD INSTRUCTION 1334.1, WEARING THE UNIFORM.
K. AFI 36-2903, DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL.
L. AR 670-1, WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA.
M. NAVPERS 15665I, UNITED STATES NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS.
N. MCO P1020.34G, MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS.
O. DOD DIRECTIVE 5410.18, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY RELATIONS POLICY.
P. DOD INSTRUCTION 5410.19, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY RELATIONS POLICY
IMPLEMENTATION.
Q. DOD DIRECTIVE 1000.04, FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FVAP).
R. 2010-2011 DOD VOTING ASSISTANCE GUIDE, AS AMENDED.
S. DOD DIRECTIVE 1344.13, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL VOTER 
REGISTRATION ACT (NVRA) THIS PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDANCE SUPERSEDES THE 
PREVIOUS MESSAGE DATED 281449Z JAN 2008.
T. DOD MEMORANDUM, POLICY GUIDANCE FOR VISITS TO INSTALLATIONS BY 
CANDIDATES FOR POLITICAL OFFICE, DATED NOVEMBER 4, 2008.
2. COMMANDERS SHALL COMPLY WITH THIS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING 
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS. THIS GUIDANCE GOVERNS ACTIVITIES 
RELATING TO FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND 
ELECTIONS. CONSISTENT WITH THIS GUIDANCE, COMMANDERS SHOULD ENCOURAGE
AND WELCOME VISITS BY CANDIDATES SEEKING TO RECEIVE BRIEFINGS, TOURS, 
OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOD INFORMATION. FURTHER, NOTHING IN THIS GUIDANCE 
IS INTENDED TO INHIBIT THE APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATION BY ELECTED 
OFFICIALS OF CONSTITUENTS WHO HAPPEN TO LIVE OR WORK ON A MILITARY 
INSTALLATION. FURTHERMORE, THE PROHIBITIONS OF THIS MESSAGE APPLIES 
WITH EQUAL FORCE TO NON-CANDIDATES WHO SEEK TO CAMPAIGN FOR OR 
CONDUCT ELECTION ACTIVITY ON BEHALF OF A CANDIDATE. A CANDIDATE FOR 
CIVIL OFFICE AS DEFINED BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DIRECTIVE 1344.10, 
POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES, MAY NOT BE 
PERMITTED TO ENGAGE IN CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION-RELATED ACTIVITIES 
(E.G., PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES, TOWN HALL MEETINGS, SPEECHES, FUNDRAISERS, 
PRESS CONFERENCES, POST-ELECTION CELEBRATIONS, AND CONCESSION 
ADDRESSES) WHILE ON A UNITED STATES MILITARY INSTALLATION, WHICH 
INCLUDES OVERSEAS INSTALLATIONS AND AREAS UNDER THE OPERATIONAL 
CONTROL OF COMBAT OR PEACEKEEPING FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES 
MILITARY. 
3. THIS MESSAGE SUPERSEDES REF. A, AND SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL 
AMENDED. ADDRESSEES WILL ENSURE WIDEST DISSEMINATION, IMPLEMENTATION, 
AND COMPLIANCE.
4. NATIONAL GUARD ARMORIES AND OTHER STATE FACILITIES SHOULD REVIEW 
APPLICABLE STATE LAW FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND RESTRICTIONS.
5. POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS DEFINED. A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR 
ELECTION BEGINS WHEN A CANDIDATE, INCLUDING AN INCUMBENT OFFICE 
HOLDER, MAKES A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT THAT HE OR SHE SEEKS TO BE 
ELECTED TO A FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL POLITICAL OFFICE. A POLITICAL 
CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ALSO BEGINS WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL FILES A 
CANDIDACY WITH THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION OR EQUIVALENT STATE 
OR LOCAL REGULATORY OFFICE. ONCE INITIATED, A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR 
ELECTION DOES NOT END UNTIL ONE WEEK AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE 
RELEVANT ELECTION.
6. GENERAL POLICY. AS A MATTER OF LONG-STANDING POLICY, DOD 
PERSONNEL ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY MAY NOT ENGAGE IN 
ACTIVITIES THAT ASSOCIATE DOD WITH ANY PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN 
OR ELECTION, CANDIDATE, CAUSE OR ISSUE. THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 
DOES NOT ENGAGE IN PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES. THEREFORE, ITS 
INTERACTION WITH CANDIDATES FOR POLITICAL OFFICE MUST NOT IMPLY OR 
APPEAR TO IMPLY SPONSORSHIP, APPROVAL, OR ENDORSEMENT OF ANY SUCH 
CANDIDATES OR POLITICAL VIEWS. POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES CONTINUES TO BE GOVERNED BY REFERENCE B. POLITICAL 
ACTIVITY BY FEDERAL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL CONTINUES TO BE GOVERNED BY 
REFERENCES C AND D.
7. INQUIRIES FROM POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATIONS. DOD PERSONNEL 
MUST FORWARD ALL INQUIRIES FROM POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATIONS 
TO A PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (PAO) FOR AWARENESS AND APPROPRIATE 
ACTION. IN RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC INQUIRIES, PAOS WILL ONLY PROVIDE 
INFORMATION THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. REFERENCE E 
PERTAINS. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO INQUIRIES FROM THE OFFICIAL OFFICES
OR STAFF OF ELECTED OFFICIALS.
8. DOD NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND PUBLICATIONS. PER REFERENCE F, DOD 
NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND CIVILIAN ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS WILL 
NOT PUBLISH INFORMATION PROVIDED BY A CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN 
ORGANIZATION, PARTISAN ADVERTISEMENTS AND DISCUSSIONS, OR CARTOONS, 
EDITORIALS, AND COMMENTARIES DEALING WITH POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS OR 
ELECTIONS, CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES. PER REFERENCE G, DOD 
NEWSPAPERS AND CIVILIAN ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS MAY NOT CONDUCT 
OR PUBLISH POLLS, SURVEYS, OR STRAW VOTES RELATING TO POLITICAL 
CAMPAIGNS OR ELECTIONS, CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES.
9. ARMED FORCES RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICE (AFRTS) PER REFERENCES 
H AND I, AFRTS WILL PROVIDE A FREE FLOW OF BALANCED, INFORMATIONAL 
COVERAGE OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS PROVIDED BY U.S. 
COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC NETWORKS FREE OF CHARGE. AFRTS WILL EXERCISE 
GREAT CARE TO PROVIDE NEWS REGARDING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND 
ELECTIONS ABSENT POLITICAL COMMENT, ANALYSIS, OR INTERPRETATION. 
ALTHOUGH AFRTS MAY INCLUDE POLITICAL COMMENT, ANALYSIS, OR 
INTERPRETATION FROM SOURCES PROVIDED BY U.S. COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC 
NETWORKS FREE OF CHARGE AS PART OF ITS INFORMATIONAL COVERAGE, 
AFRTS WILL NOT SUPPORT OR OPPOSE ANY CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES. 
ADDITIONALLY, AFRTS WILL NOT BROADCAST ADVERTISEMENTS OR 
ANNOUNCEMENTS PAID FOR BY A CANDIDATE, AN ORGANIZED POLITICAL PARTY, 
OR A PRIVATE GROUP SEEKING TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF A POLITICAL 
CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION. 
10. USE OF INSTALLATION FACILITIES BY CANDIDATES.
A. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL NOT PERMIT THE USE OF INSTALLATION 
FACILITIES BY ANY CANDIDATE FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION 
EVENTS, INCLUDING: PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES OR TOWN HALL MEETINGS, SPEECHES, 
FUNDRAISERS, PRESS CONFERENCES, POST-ELECTION CELEBRATIONS, AND 
CONCESSION ADDRESSES. THIS POLICY DOES NOT PROHIBIT MEMBERS OF 
CONGRESS AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM VISITING MILITARY 
INSTALLATIONS TO RECEIVE BRIEFINGS, TOURS, OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOD 
INFORMATION. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL ENSURE THAT CANDIDATES WHO 
VISIT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS TO CONDUCT OFFICIAL BUSINESS DO NOT 
ENGAGE IN ANY POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITY DURING THE 
VISIT. THE PRECEDING PROHIBITION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE PRESIDENT, 
VICE PRESIDENT OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
B. THIS PROHIBITION DOES NOT LIMIT ACCESS TO A UNITED STATES 
INSTALLATION BY A CANDIDATE WHO HOLDS A CIVIL OFFICE WITH 
RESPONSIBILITIES THAT AFFECT THAT INSTALLATION OR THOSE WHO LIVE OR 
WORK THERE, IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:
(1) WHEN THE CANDIDATE SEEKS TO CONDUCT OFFICIAL BUSINESS ON THE 
INSTALLATION; OR
(2) WHEN THE CANDIDATE SEEKS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ACTIVITIES, 
SERVICES, OR RESOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO HIM OR HER BY VIRTUE OF
LAW OR POLICY, SUCH AS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC OR 
ENTITLEMENTS OR BENEFITS SUCH AS MEDICAL FACILITIES, COMMISSARIES, 
OR POST/BASE EXCHANGES. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT 
CANDIDATES WHO ENTER AN INSTALLATION FOR ONE OF THE TWO PURPOSES 
NOTED IN PARAGRAPHS 10B (1) AND 10B (2) DO NOT ENGAGE IN ANY CAMPAIGN 
OR ELECTION ACTIVITY DURING THE VISIT.
A. CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT CURRENT OFFICE HOLDERS OR SERVING 
GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS SHOULD HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO INSTALLATIONS 
AS ANY UNOFFICIAL VISITOR.
B. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD COORDINATE WITH THEIR LEGAL OFFICE 
AND FORWARD NOTICE OF CONTACT FROM A PRESIDENTIAL OR VICE PRESIDENTIAL 
CAMPAIGN TO THEIR LOCAL SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE FOR 
COORDINATION WITH THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY CONCERNED.
C. WHEN ANALYZING A CANDIDATE'S REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO AN INSTALLATION, 
THE COMMANDER SHOULD FIRST DETERMINE WHETHER THE REQUEST IS TO CONDUCT 
OFFICIAL, PERSONAL, OR CAMPAIGN BUSINESS. THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF REQUESTS 
ARE PRESUMED TO BE FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES AND SHALL GENERALLY BE DENIED: 
REQUEST FOR ACCESS TO MILITARY INSTALLATIONS OR FACILITIES FROM CAMPAIGN 
ORGANIZATIONS - AS OPPOSED TO THE OFFICIAL STAFF OF THE OFFICE THAT THE 
CANDIDATE CURRENTLY HOLDS; REQUESTS FOR ACCESS TO MILITARY INSTALLATIONS 
OR FACILITIES BY SPOUSES OR FAMILY MEMBERS OF CANDIDATES WHEN SUCH SPOUSES 
OR FAMILY MEMBERS ARE NOT OTHERWISE ENTITLED TO ACCESS BY LAW OR POLICY OR 
WHO OTHERWISE DO NOT HAVE AN INDEPENDENT OFFICIAL PURPOSE; AND REQUESTS FOR 
ACCESS TO MILITARY INSTALLATIONS OR FACILITIES THAT INCLUDE ACCOMPANIMENT 
BY CAMPAIGN STAFF AND/OR PRESS.
D. TO AVOID THE APPEARANCE OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT, INSTALLATION 
COMMANDERS SHOULD OFFER ALL CANDIDATES FOR CIVIL OFFICE WHO ARE NOT 
CURRENT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS OR SERVING GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS THE 
SAME ACCESS TO INSTALLATIONS AS ANY OTHER UNOFFICIAL VISITOR.
E. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD CONSULT THE OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT 
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS FOR GUIDANCE OR 
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC VISITATION REQUESTS.
11. MEDIA COVERAGE OF INSTALLATION VISITS. BEFORE AN INSTALLATION 
COMMANDER INVITES A CANDIDATE ONTO AN INSTALLATION TO PARTICIPATE IN 
OFFICIAL BUSINESS OR OTHERWISE GRANTS A CANDIDATE ACCESS FOR SUCH 
PURPOSES, THE COMMANDER SHOULD COORDINATE WITH HIS OR HER LEGAL 
ADVISOR AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER. THE MEDIA MAY BE GRANTED 
ACCESS TO COVER THE CANDIDATE'S OFFICIAL BUSINESS. WHEN AN 
INSTALLATION COMMANDER INVITES A CANDIDATE TO AN INSTALLATION TO 
PARTICIPATE IN OFFICIAL BUSINESS, AND THE MEDIA IS GRANTED ACCESS TO 
COVER THE EVENT, THE CANDIDATE MAY APPEAR ON CAMERA AND IN 
PHOTOGRAPHS AS AN OFFICIAL PARTICIPANT AND MAY MAKE A STATEMENT OR 
ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OFFICIAL BUSINESS BEING CONDUCTED. UNDER 
NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY A CANDIDATE RECEIVE APPROVAL TO MAKE A CAMPAIGN 
OR ELECTION-RELATED STATEMENT OR TO RESPOND TO A CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION-
RELATED MEDIA QUERY. THE INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL NOT REQUEST THAT 
THE CANDIDATE'S REMARKS BE REVIEWED BEFOREHAND; HOWEVER, NO FOOTAGE, 
PHOTOGRAPHS, OR STATEMENTS TAKEN OR RECORDED DURING SUCH OFFICIAL 
BUSINESS MAY BE USED BY THE CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN FOR ANY CAMPAIGN OR 
ELECTION-RELATED PURPOSE. WHEN A CANDIDATE FOR CIVIL OFFICE ARRIVES OR 
DEPARTS A MILITARY INSTALLATION VIA MILITARY AIRCRAFT, THE 
INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL NOT AUTHORIZE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE 
ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE IF THE ELECTED OFFICIAL'S ITINERARY INCLUDES 
POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING OR ELECTION ACTIVITY IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. 
THE PRECEDING PROHIBITION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE PRESIDENT, THE VICE 
PRESIDENT, OR THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WHEN THE 
PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE ARRIVES OR DEPARTS 
A MILITARY INSTALLATION VIA MILITARY AIRCRAFT AND PART OF THAT 
OFFICIAL'S ITINERARY INCLUDES POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITY 
IN SUPPORT OF A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE, THE INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL 
ALLOW THE MEDIA A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE 
OF THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. INSTALLATION 
COMMANDERS ANTICIPATING A VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER 
OF THE HOUSE THAT MAY INVOLVE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITIES 
SHOULD COORDINATE WITH OSD (LA), AND STAFF ASSISTANTS PLANNING THE VISIT 
TO ENSURE ALL CONCERNED ARE AWARE OF THE PROVISIONS OF DOD'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS 
POLICY GUIDANCE.
12. SUPPORT OF POLITICAL EVENTS BY MILITARY PERSONNEL. DOD MAINTAINS A 
LONG-STANDING POLICY THAT DOD PERSONNEL ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL 
CAPACITY MAY NOT ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT ASSOCIATE DOD WITH ANY 
PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION, CANDIDATE, CAUSE, OR ISSUE. 
CONSISTENT WITH THIS POLICY GUIDANCE, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL 
DECLINE REQUESTS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL TO APPEAR IN OR SUPPORT 
POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION EVENTS. ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL, 
INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM 
WEARING MILITARY UNIFORMS AT POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION EVENTS. 
REFERENCES J, K, L, M AND N PERTAIN. THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO 
THE PROVISION OF JOINT ARMED FORCES COLOR GUARDS AT THE OPENING 
CEREMONIES OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS OF THE REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRATIC, 
AND OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES FORMALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE FEDERAL 
ELECTION COMMISSION.
13. PUBLIC COMMENTARY BY MILITARY PERSONNEL. NO MILITARY PERSONNEL, 
INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES, ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL 
CAPACITY, MAY ENGAGE IN PUBLIC COMMENTARY, INCLUDING SPEECHES AND 
WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OFFERED FOR PUBLICATION, CONCERNING POLITICAL 
CAMPAIGNS OR ELECTIONS ABSENT PRIOR CLEARANCE. REFS. B, E, F, O, 
AND P PERTAIN.
14. POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE. MILITARY MEMBERS ON 
ACTIVE DUTY AND MEMBERS ON FULL-TIME NATIONAL GUARD DUTY SHALL NOT 
DISTRIBUTE PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE. THOSE 
NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY AND WHO ARE NOT IN A FULL-TIME NATIONAL GUARD DUTY 
STATUS, SHALL NOT DISTRIBUTE PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION 
LITERATURE WHILE IN UNIFORM, WHILE ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY, 
OR WHILE ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL ONLY 
ALLOW DISTRIBUTION OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE ON 
INSTALLATIONS AS AUTHORIZED BY MILITARY DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS.
15. FILMING, PHOTOGRAPHING, OR TAPING ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. 
INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL NOT ALLOW CANDIDATES OR THEIR AGENTS TO 
FILM, PHOTOGRAPH, OR TAPE MILITARY EQUIPMENT (E.G. SHIPS, TANKS, AND 
AIRCRAFT) FOR USE IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, 
COMMERCIALS, OR LITERATURE. ABSENT EXCEPTIONAL OPERATIONAL SECURITY 
CONCERNS, THIS GUIDANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO CANDIDATES OR THEIR 
ASSISTANTS WHO ELECT TO FILM, PHOTOGRAPH, OR TAPE MILITARY EQUIPMENT 
FROM A LOCATION OUTSIDE THE CONFINES OF AN INSTALLATION. THIS DOES NOT 
APPLY TO IMAGERY OF ELECTED OFFICIALS CAPTURED WHILE ON OFFICIAL 
BUSINESS OR TRAVEL.
16. FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. DOD ENCOURAGES ALL ACTIVE DUTY 
MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL AND THEIR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS TO 
REGISTER AND VOTE. CONSISTENT WITH REFERENCES O AND P, DOD WILL 
SUPPORT THE FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BY PUBLISHING FACTUAL 
INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION AND VOTING LAWS, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS 
ON ABSENTEE VOTING REQUIREMENTS. ADDITIONALLY, COMMANDERS WILL PROVIDE 
VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICERS AT EVERY LEVEL OF COMMAND, AND ENSURE THEY 
ARE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE VOTING ASSISTANCE. ALL PERSONS 
ASSISTING IN THE VOTING PROCESS SHALL TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO PREVENT 
FRAUD AND TO PROTECT VOTERS AGAINST ANY COERCION, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: 
NO MEMBER OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES SHALL ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE VOTE OF 
ANY OTHER MEMBER, OR TO REQUIRE ANY MEMBER TO MARCH TO ANY POLLING PLACE OR 
PLACE OF VOTING AS PRESCRIBED UNDER 18 U.S.C. 608 AND 609 [NEW REFERENCE]. 
NOTHING IN THIS GUIDANCE SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO PROHIBIT FREE DISCUSSION ABOUT 
POLITICAL ISSUES OR CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AS PRESCRIBED IN 
18 U.S.C 596, 608 AND 609 [NEW REFERENCE AS ABOVE]. COMMANDERS RESPONSIBLE 
FOR OPERATION OF MILITARY POST OFFICES SHOULD ENSURE EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING 
OF BALLOTING MATERIAL AND PROPER POSTMARKING AND DATE STAMPING OF ABSENTEE 
BALLOTS. VOTING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DIRECTOR, 
FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, 1155 DEFENSE PENTAGON, WASHINGTON, D.C. 
20301-1155. VOTING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION ALSO IS AVAILABLE BY TELEPHONE AT 
COMMERCIAL (800) 438-8683, (703) 588-1584, DSN 425-1584, BY FAX (703) 696-
1352, 
DSN 426-1352, BY E-MAIL (ALL LOWER CASE) vote@fvap.gov 
<MAILTO:vote@fvap.gov>, OR AT WEBSITE WWW.FVAP.GOV <HTTP://WWW.FVAP.GOV> .
17. NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT. ARMED FORCES RECRUITMENT OFFICES 
MUST REVIEW REFERENCE Q TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL VOTER 
REGISTRATION ACT.
18. INSTALLATION FACILITIES AS POLLING PLACES:
A. IF AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2000, AN INSTALLATION FACILITY WAS DESIGNATED AS AN 
OFFICIAL POLLING PLACE BY A STATE OR LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIAL OR HAS BEEN USED 
AS A POLLING PLACE SINCE JANUARY 1, 1996, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHALL NOT 
DENY THE USE OF THAT FACILITY AS A POLLING PLACE FOR FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL 
ELECTIONS. THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE OR THE SECRETARY OF THE MILITARY 
DEPARTMENT 
CONCERNED MAY GRANT A WAIVER OF THE REQUIREMENT TO ALLOW USE OF THE FACILITY 
IF 
THAT SECRETARY DETERMINES THAT LOCAL SECURITY CONDITIONS REQUIRE PROHIBITION 
OF 
THE DESIGNATION OR USE OF THAT FACILITY AS AN OFFICIAL POLLING PLACE FOR ANY 
ELECTION. BECAUSE LOCATING POLLING PLACES ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION MAY CAUSE 
DOD PERSONNEL INADVERTENTLY TO VIOLATE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING 
STATUTES: 18 U.S.C. 592, 593, 594, 596, 602, 603, 606, 607, AND 609; 
INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT ALL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL 
REMAIN CLEAR OF SUCH POLLING PLACES EXCEPT AS NECESSARY TO EXERCISE THEIR 
INDIVIDUAL VOTING RIGHTS.
B. WITH RESPECT TO ANY INSTALLATION FACILITY NOT COVERED BY PARA.17.A, 
INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE USE OF INSTALLATION FACILITIES 
AS POLLING PLACES FOR FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL ELECTIONS.
19. THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR MEDIA QUESTIONS REGARDING DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS 
POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS IS 
MAJ APRIL CUNNINGHAM, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PUBLIC 
AFFAIRS (OASD(PA)), DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL (703) 697-5131 
OR DSN 227-5131. ADDITIONALLY, LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THIS GUIDANCE IS 
AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL LEGAL ADVISORS. THE DOD GENERAL COUNSEL IS THE FINAL 
AUTHORITY IN DOD FOR RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES OR OTHER SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL 
PROBLEMS CONCERNING LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THIS GUIDANCE.
20. CONCERNS AND ISSUES INVOLVING FEDERAL CANDIDATES. ISSUES ARISING 
BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THIS PAGE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE SERVICES FOR 
RESOLUTION. SERVICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS ARE DIRECTED TO NOTIFY OASD (PA) 
OF ALL CONCERNS, DISPUTES, UNRESOLVED ISSUES, OR POTENTIAL PROBLEMS 
REGARDING FEDERAL CANDIDATES. THE OASD (PA) POINT OF CONTACT IS 
MAJ APRIL CUNNINGHAM, DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL 
(703) 697-5131 OR DSN 227-5131.
21. ULTIMATE AUTHORITY FOR RESOLUTION OF ANY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS RELATED TO 
ELECTED OFFICIALS ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS LIES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE GENERAL COUNSEL. INQUIRIES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTORS OF 
HOUSE AFFAIRS, SENATE AFFAIRS, COMMUNICATIONS, OR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 
AS APPROPRIATE. 
UNQUOTE

4. RELEASED BY VICE ADMIRAL J. M. BIRD, DIRECTOR, NAVY STAFF.//
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