(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no VISTA may run for the nomination to, or as a candidate for election to, partisan political office.
(b) In accordance with the prohibitions set forth in § 2556.710, a VISTA may participate in elections as long as such participation:
(1) Does not interfere with the performance of, or availability to perform, his or her assigned VISTA project duties;
(2) Does not interference with the provision of service in the VISTA program;
(3) Is not conducted in a manner involving the use of VISTA assistance, resources or funds;
(4) Would not result in the identification of the VISTA as being a participant in or otherwise associated with the VISTA program;
(5) Is not conducted during scheduled VISTA service hours; and
(6) Does not interfere with the full-time commitment to remain available for VISTA service without regard to regular working hours, at all times during periods of service, except for authorized periods of leave.
(c) Provided that paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section are adhered to, and in accordance with the prohibitions set forth in § 2556.710, a VISTA may:
(1) Run as an independent candidate in a partisan election in designated U.S. municipalities and political subdivisions as set forth at 5 CFR part 733; and
(2) Run as a candidate in a non-partisan election.