JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As the 2012 presidential election nears, voters seek ways to cast their ballots; however, doing so can seem overwhelming because of varying state regulations and processes.
For service members, voting-eligible family members, and Department of Defense employees, there is a program to lead them through the process without getting lost in the maze of information.
"Voters registration is a continuous process; it's something that happens every day and continues to happen every day until such time as the election is taking place," said Geoffrey Smith, Fort Eustis voting assistance officer.
The customer-friendly Voting Assistance Program website, www.fvap.gov, is available to register voters. It provides information on state and territory voting laws, and answers frequently asked questions. To get started, click on the "get started" link, select the appropriate state and follow the prompts to complete the registration or receive a ballot.
For those who prefer one-on-one assistance, the Bateman Library at Langley Air Force Base has contact information for installation voting officers and unit voting representatives who can answer question about state-specific voting requirements and absentee ballots. At Fort Eustis, interested voters can visit Smith and his staff at the Soldier Support Center in Building 650.
According to 2nd Lt. John Cooper, Langley Air Force Base voting assistance officer, approximately 1,300 Joint Base Langley-Eustis community members have been assisted by the programs at each installation since Jan. 1.
"A key distinction, and something that really stands out to me, is that I can actually participate in not only engaging my own rights but also making the country a better place by voting and being involved socially and politically," Cooper said. "Whatever political bit you have, we encourage everyone to be involved. That's what were based on, and it's one of our founding principles that allows everyone to be involved."
Langley Voting Assistance Program:
2nd Lt. John Cooper, installation voting assistance officer; call 764-5701
Fort Eustis Voting Assistance Program:
Geoffrey Smith, installation voting assistance officer; call 878-4898.
Jose Martin, assistant installation voting assistance officer; call 878-5473.
Lei Lana Gates, assistant installation voting assistance officer; call 878-2024.