§ 609
Use of military authority to influence vote of member of Armed Forces
Up to 5 years
Elections & Voting
None sentenced (FY2025)
Ch. 29 · Elections and Political Activities
Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term
Whoever, being a commissioned, noncommissioned, warrant, or petty officer of an Armed Force, uses military authority to influence the vote of a member of the Armed Forces or to require a member of the Armed Forces to march to a polling place, or to do so, shall be fined in accordance with this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
Nothing in this section shall prohibit free discussion of political issues or candidates for public office.
History: (Added Pub. L. 99–410, title II, §202(a), Aug. 28, 1986, 100 Stat. 929 (PDF, 1.0 MB).)
Simplified explanation
It is a federal crime for a military officer to use military authority to influence how a service member votes, or to make service members march to a polling place, or to try to do so.