As the 2024 presidential election nears, it is imperative for American Legion 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.
As Legionnaires will cast their ballots on Election Day, The American Legion advocates for all U.S. citizens to register and vote in all elections through its “Get Out the Vote” program. Download the “Vote, America” brochure to see how your post can encourage more Americans to vote.
Legion posts, Legionnaires and SAL members should follow these dos and don’ts during an election cycle:
1. Can I wear my American Legion cap to a political event or when promoting my political views in media?
No. The American Legion cap is considered the official Legion uniform (see p. 3 of the 2024 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Can our post host a registration or voting drive to support “Get Out the Vote”?
Yes. Just remember that 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. Any campaign materials or literature should be removed from areas where nonpartisan activities are taking place.
