Exercise your voting rights the right way

  • Published
  • By Major Scott Van Schoyck and Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten
  • 94th Airlift Wing Staff
As the operational tempo of the 94th Airlift Wing remains high, and Airmen deploy or return home, they are encouraged to remain a part of the political process, just as their military and civilian colleagues and family members are here at home.

Voting assistance representatives have been put in place to ensure Airmen know the process they need to follow when voting in, not only the upcoming presidential elections, but also their state and local elections as well. These representatives can answer questions regarding where to send documents, state residency or how to find information on the different candidates and political parties.

The voting assistance representatives for Dobbins Air Reserve Base are Maj. Tamika Washington, 94th Manpower and Personnel Section commander, and Capt. Melissa Z. Greene, 94th Airlift Wing executive officer.

"The voting assistance representative ensures that all of our service members have someone to assist them in registering to vote, whether by going to the polls or via absentee ballot," said Greene.

To register to vote via absentee ballot, service members should have proof of residence, which could include their driver's license. To register, request a ballot, or vote absentee, service members can go to www.fvap.gov.

Airmen are also encouraged to use all the resources available to make an informed decision before casting their votes.

"Our main job and focus is to ensure everybody knows how and where to go to vote, not direct them on who to vote for," said Greene. "I would encourage everyone to watch the political debates and hear the different sides directly from the candidates, rather than relying solely on the media. The best thing anyone can do is to educate themselves."

Even overseas, Air Force Network television stations will broadcast the presidential and vice presidential debates for service members. Check your local listings or contact your local AFN station to find out when these events will air.

Throughout the election season, especially during the candidate debates, it is important to remember that service members may not use their military affiliation to influence others on whom to vote for. Service members may not host a fundraiser for a partisan candidate or threaten any candidate.

"We, in the military, support and defend the constitution of the United States, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office," said Greene. "When participating in the electoral process, it is important that all Airmen adhere to the guidance handed out by the 94th Airlift Wing Legal Office. Be especially careful about what you say on social media sites."

If an Airman or a federal civilian employee violates established rules and regulations, there could be serious consequences. Advising the 94th Airlift Wing commander on such matters will be Major Scott Van Schoyck, 94th Airlift Wing staff judge advocate.

"[Military] members who violate any rules are subject to prosecution under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, in addition to any other applicable violation of the UCMJ or federal law," said Van Schoyck. "For civilian employees who violate the Hatch Act, they can be suspended from work without pay and can even be subject to removal from government employment."

However, Van Schoyck emphasized that these rules only limit partisan political activities. They, in no way, are meant to discourage Airmen or civilian employees from voting.

"We want our military members [and civilian employees] to vote," said Van Schoyck. "They ... protect the liberties we have in the United States. It's important that they exercise those rights themselves."

Airmen and civilian employees can do more than vote. They can give their personal opinions on subjects and even participate in partisan political events, so long as they remain within the bounds of the rules and regulations that have been set out.

"The Air Force doesn't discourage people from getting involved," said Van Schoyck. "What we discourage is airmen and federal employees using their position for gain ... to add clout to their argument."

For example, a military member may write a letter on a political topic and use their military affiliation - their rank, for example - in the letter. However, it must be made clear that the views expressed within the letter are personal views, and not the views of the military or Department of Defense.

Reservists on active duty orders are held to the same standards while on those orders. When not on orders, Reservists must avoid any political activities that would hinder performance of military duties or conform to accepted customs and traditions of the Air Force.

Furthermore, Reservists may not engage in political activities while in uniform or utilize government assets for political activity.

Civilian members must adhere to the Hatch Act, which outlines restrictions similar to those placed on their military counterparts.

These rules do not impede anyone's constitutionally-protected free speech, said Van Shoyck. "The Supreme Court has held that it is permissible for the government to place reasonable time, manner, and place restrictions on speech."

In so far as the time, manner, and place restrictions apply to military members and federal employees, the restrictions have been put in place to avoid the perception of government endorsement of a political candidate, party or cause. That has long been accepted as an inherently reasonable limitation.

"So, go ahead," said Schoyck. "Exercise one of your most basic rights and vote. Participate legally in the political process. It's part of what's great about being an American."

For more information about registering to vote or obtaining ballots, contact your voting assistance representatives by email at melissa.greene.2@us.af.mil or tamika.washington.2@us.af.mil.

For more in depth information about political activities, Airmen can refer to Air Force Instructions 1-1 or Air Force Instruction 51-902, paragraphs three, four and nine.

If you still have questions about what is permissible after reviewing that regulation, contact the 94th AW legal office by phone at 678-655-5199.

The last day to register to vote in Georgia is Oct. 8. Election Day is on Nov. 6.