Canon 5 of Code Of Conduct for United States Judges says the following. Does this mean that a judge cannot be a registered Republican or Democrat? Or is it okay as long as he/she does not participate in any political activities?
CANON 5: A Judge Should Refrain from Political Activity
(A) General Prohibitions. A judge should not:
- act as a leader or hold any office in a political organization;
- make speeches for a political organization or candidate, or publicly endorse or oppose a candidate for public office; or
- solicit funds for, pay an assessment to, or make a contribution to a political organization or candidate, or attend or purchase a ticket for a dinner or other event sponsored by a political organization or candidate.
(B) Resignation upon Candidacy. A judge should resign the judicial office if the judge becomes a candidate in a primary or general election for any office.
(C) Other Political Activity. A judge should not engage in any other political activity. This provision does not prevent a judge from engaging in activities described in Canon 4.