Election Day is Nov. 3, and The American Legion has resources to help posts encourage people to register and vote.
Election Day is near – Tuesday, Nov. 3 – and The American Legion advocates for all U.S. citizens to register and vote through its “Get Out the Vote” program. Download the “Get Out the Vote” brochure that provides ideas on how Legionnaires, posts, districts and departments can participate in and promote the electoral process by serving as poll volunteers, hosting or participating in nonpartisan candidate forums, placing public service annoucements in local media that promote registration and voting, and more.
As American Legion members prepare to cast their ballots, it is imperative for members and posts to remember that The American Legion is a nonpolitical, nonpartisan organization that will not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of any candidate or party. This includes the wearing of American Legion and Sons of The American Legion apparel when engaged in partisan activities.
The following are common questions and answers for Legionnaires and posts to follow during the election cycle.
Q: Can I wear my American Legion cap to a political event?
No. The American Legion cap is considered the official legion uniform (see p. 38 of the Officer's Guide). If attending a political event, The American Legion cap, or any clothing with The American Legion emblem visible, must be removed so as not to imply any endorsement by The American Legion.
Q: Can we use our American Legion post for a political event?
When using post facilities to host any candidates, the post must remove American Legion emblems and American Legion flags to avoid any impression of endorsements. Candidates for all parties must be presented equal opportunity to use the facilities on the same terms and conditions as other competing candidates.
Q: How can an American Legion post avoid the appearance of partisanship when conducting GOTV activities?
Volunteers working on an American Legion-sponsored registration and voting drive should not wear campaign buttons or make their personal views about candidates, parties and issues known in any way while they are engaged in nonpartisan activities for their post. Campaign materials or literature should be removed from an area where nonpartisan activities are taking place.
Q: Can a member be active in a campaign when the Legion has to remain nonpartisan?
A: As individuals, Legionnaires can be as partisan as they like. However, they must separate their American Legion Family affiliation when actively supporting a political candidate or party. Legionnaires engaged in partisan activities – such as attending a candidate’s rally – should do so without wearing the American Legion cap or other Legion attire. When working for the Legion post, a member must treat all candidates equally without making candidate endorsements. To do otherwise will endanger the post’s nonprofit status with the IRS.
Q: Can I get The American Legion at the local, state and national level to support a candidate running for Congress or any political office?
No. In Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution of The American Legion, "The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment." Additionally, the National Charter, approved by Congress, stipulates The American Legion as an organization is nonpolitical. Therefore, The American Legion as an organization is never to help or endorse a candidate. However, you, as a private citizen and not speaking for the organization, can do whatever is legal and ethical to advance his/her candidacy.
- Vote