No person holding a position in the classified service shall seek or attempt to use any political endorsement in connection with any appointment to a position in the classified service. No person holding a position in the classified service shall use or promise to use, directly or indirectly, any official authority or influence, whether possessed or anticipated, to secure or attempt to secure for any person an appointment or advantage in appointment to a position in the classified service, or an increase in pay or other advantage in employment in any such position, for the purpose of influencing the vote or political action of any person or for any consideration. No employee holding a position in the classified service shall, directly or indirectly, pay or promise to pay any assessment, subscription, or contribution for any political organization or purpose, or solicit or take any part in soliciting any such assessment, subscription, or contribution. No person shall solicit any such assessment, subscription, or contribution of any employee holding a position in the classified service. No employee holding a position in the classified service shall be a candidate for nomination or election to any public office, or shall take any part in the management or affairs of any political party or in any political campaign, except to exercise his or her right as a citizen privately to express his or her opinion and to cast his or her vote, unless on authorized leave of absence for such purpose. Any person holding a position in the classified service who violates this section may be disciplined by dismissal, suspension without pay, or demotion as provided in Section 45-30A-50.16. In addition, any person holding a position in the classified service who wilfully violates this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished as provided by Section 327 of Title 15 of the Code of Alabama of 1940.