(Photo: Mikhail Nilov)
In preparation for this year’s presidential election, American Legion posts nationwide are actively promoting the fundamental civic responsibility of voting. As Legion posts are encouraged to “Get Out the Vote,” The American Legion stresses the importance of civic participation while maintaining a commitment to nonpartisanship throughout the election cycle.
Despite its deep engagement with the democratic process, The American Legion is unwavering in its commitment to nonpartisanship. The organization advocates for all U.S. citizens to register and vote across party lines, maintaining its neutrality regarding any particular candidate or political party.
The American Legion provides Legionnaires and posts with guidelines to navigate the landscape of election involvement. One notable directive advises against wearing the official American Legion cap to political events, as it is considered the Legion’s official uniform. This measure ensures that attendance at political events does not imply an endorsement by The American Legion.
Additionally the use of American Legion post facilities for political events requires the removal of Legion emblems and flags to eliminate any appearance of favoritism. Moreover, the Legion enforces an equal opportunity policy, ensuring that candidates from all parties have the same terms and conditions for using post facilities.
The American Legion remains vigilant in upholding its nonpolitical stance, as articulated in Article II, Section 2, of its constitution. This provision strictly prohibits the organization from endorsing or supporting any political candidate or party. However, it explicitly recognizes the private citizens’ right to engage in legal and ethical activities to support candidates, provided it is done in a personal capacity and not as a representative of the organization.
Per the Legion, the democratic process thrives when citizens actively participate, informed by a sense of duty rather than political affiliations. As the organization rallies its members to champion the cause of voting, it remains committed to fostering an inclusive and nonpartisan approach to civic engagement. The American Legion, with its century-long legacy, stands as a symbol of democratic values, urging citizens to uphold their responsibilities as voters without compromising the principles of neutrality and nonpartisanship.
The roots of the Legion’s involvement in encouraging voting trace back to the 1920 American Legion National Convention in Cleveland. The organization formally encouraged all Legionnaires to become qualified voters, setting the foundation for countless resolutions advocating not only the exercise of the constitutional right to vote but also the active promotion of this responsibility to fellow citizens.
Today, as elections shape the destiny of the nation, the program remains steadfast in inspiring citizens to register and cast their votes. In the pursuit of a well-informed and participative electorate, The American Legion encourages Legionnaires, posts, districts, and departments to immerse themselves in the electoral process. This involvement spans serving as poll volunteers, poll workers, and extending support to others in the registration and voting processes. A united effort within the organization makes a tangible impact on the nation’s civic landscape.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.