Are RAF pilots not permitted to vote ?
Thread Starter
Are RAF pilots not permitted to vote ?
I’ve never seen anything to back this up but an ex RAF pilot known well to me claims that he was not allowed to vote in general elections while serving
Can anyone shed any light on this, whether it’s true now or has ever been ?
Can anyone shed any light on this, whether it’s true now or has ever been ?
Certainly not the case in the 21st century, never heard of it being a thing either but I'm sure the old and bold will chip in.
This is the US Military policy re political activities for US Personnel and Civilian Employees of the DOD.
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-St...ion-campaigns/
https://www.defense.gov/News/News-St...ion-campaigns/
Not true. It required however, a certain amount of form filling to register either where you were stationed or back wherever you regarded home or a proxy or postal vote. It never ceased to amaze me how many people didn’t bother and were therefore unable to vote.
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Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
You can both vote and join a political party.
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...e-armed-forces
https://questions-statements.parliam...-10-15/HL10679
https://www.gov.uk/government/public...e-armed-forces
https://questions-statements.parliam...-10-15/HL10679
stilton - I think that your pilot friend is talking absolute ‘poo’!!! 💩 😱🤭
During my time in the RAF I have voted not only in General Elections, but also Northern Ireland Assembly Elections, Local Government Elections and, both the referenda on the ‘Belfast Agreement’ and ‘Brexit’!
All it took was a little planning ahead…insomuch that I had to apply for a postal vote or a ‘vote by proxy’!
But then again, I am a Navigator and not a member of ‘the two-winged Master Race’, so perhaps planning ahead was my strong suit!!! 🤔😃
During my time in the RAF I have voted not only in General Elections, but also Northern Ireland Assembly Elections, Local Government Elections and, both the referenda on the ‘Belfast Agreement’ and ‘Brexit’!
All it took was a little planning ahead…insomuch that I had to apply for a postal vote or a ‘vote by proxy’!
But then again, I am a Navigator and not a member of ‘the two-winged Master Race’, so perhaps planning ahead was my strong suit!!! 🤔😃
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Avoid imitations
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At one time during my RAF service, despite my efforts to stop it, I had three votes! A weakness of the electoral administration system.
Completely untrue since at least the 1970's and probably far longer. Like all UK citizens, service personnel have to register to vote where they live, and if overseas they need to arrange a postal or proxy vote. Not only is it allowed, it is actively encouraged. I think the only restriction is that you are not allowed to wear uniform if taking part in political activities.
BV
That was banter by the way. And you must have known it was coming when you posted.
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- Time Management...another speciality of the Navigator!!! 
What was the definition of gross ignorance? Was it 144 pilots or 144 navigators? I forget. 
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Did you friend tell you this precisely 4 days ago, perhaps some time prior to lunch?
(For the Navs, I'll do the sums for you - posted 5th April, minus 4 = 1st April ;-)
(more banter)
(For the Navs, I'll do the sums for you - posted 5th April, minus 4 = 1st April ;-)
(more banter)
Maybe he was under 21 yrs old and it was 1970.
Ninthace - not sure about the definition of 'gross ignorance' but I'm certain that the collective nouns were: 'An ego of pilots' and 'A lost of Navigators'!!! 
And the shameless thread drift continues!!! Focus guys (and/or Gals) - Focus!!!
And the shameless thread drift continues!!! Focus guys (and/or Gals) - Focus!!!
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