18 U.S.C. § 609 — Use of military authority to influence vote of member of Armed Forces

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 attempts 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. (Added Pub. L. 99–410, title II, § 202(a) , Aug. 28, 1986 , 100 Stat. 929 .) Editorial Notes Prior Provisions A prior section 609, act June 25, 1948, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 723 , prescribed maximum contributions and expenditures limitation of $3,000,000 for any calendar year, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 92–225, title II, § 204 , Feb. 7, 1972 , 86 Stat. 10 , effective sixty days after Feb. 7, 1972 . Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date Section applicable with respect to elections taking place after Dec. 31, 1987 , see section 204 of Pub. L. 99–410 , set out as a note under section 20301 of Title 52 , Voting and Elections.

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