Veterans have been protecting American freedoms since before the birth of our nation. They’ve defended democracy and our way of life, which includes our free and fair elections. As service members transition back to civilian life, many aspects of their lives change. But they retain perhaps the most important title of all—citizen.

Voting is a patriotic duty not to be taken lightly. Engaging in the political process ensures that our voices are heard when choosing who can best represent us. With our next election right around the corner, it’s an excellent time to revisit your responsibilities as DAV members when you participate in political activities.

First, we urge you to register and vote to support the candidates of your choice. Veterans voted at a higher rate than the general civilian population in 2020, for good reason. When we vote this year, we select representatives, senators and the president—all of whom greatly influence policy related to veterans benefits and health care. Attending rallies, forums and town hall meetings is a superb way to stay engaged and is your absolute right as an American citizen and a wartime-disabled veteran.

However, these activities must be undertaken as individuals and not in the name of DAV.

As members of a century-old, nonpartisan, grassroots veterans service organization, our responsibility is to ensure we don’t give the appearance that DAV is supporting a particular candidate over another. Most of us can’t hide our disabilities, nor should we, but something as simple as wearing DAV hats and shirts during political activities can cause damage to the organization.

Supporting or opposing a candidate for office in the name of DAV violates our congressional charter, national constitution and bylaws, and the laws and regulations governing DAV’s tax-exempt status. Beyond that, it would diminish DAV’s overall trust, greatly limiting our effectiveness.

It’s no secret that we live in an era of intense political polarization. But it’s important to remember that we can lose our good standing as an organization if we wear DAV-branded clothing at partisan political events.

That’s not to say we can’t engage with candidates for office. DAV members and chapters are encouraged to hold open candidate forums or town hall meetings—just make sure all candidates are invited. This provides an opportunity to learn more about those asking for your vote and directly influence those who may have a say in policy and benefits affecting veterans.

And never forget that while DAV provides free services to all veterans, our legislative goals focus on improving the lives of wartime-disabled veterans, their families and their survivors.

I urge you to get involved, continue carrying our torch and participate in the very system you helped preserve. Just be mindful when you do.