LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
With the presidential-election date drawing close, Service members have the right and responsibility to play thier part in the future of the United States. Fortunately, there are programs in place to allow members to vote no matter where they are in the world.
"It's easy to go to the pools when you are in your home state," said Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Russell, a voting assistance representative at Langley Air Force Base, Va. "But in the military, you have to plan things out."
Throughout the process of voting, Service members, their families and civilians living outside of the United States should go to www.fvap.gov for assistance. The website allows users to register in their home states, vote absentee and track ballots.
If voters wish to fill out ballots manually, ballots can be found at the Bateman Library at Langley or the Soldier Support Center at Fort Eustis, Va. Voters may also contact their unit's voting representative or a voting assistance rep for ballots.
Whether completing the ballot electronically or manually, voters will need to send in their ballots no later than Oct. 29 to ensure their voice is heard. Russell said members overseas should have already sent in ballots due to the longer mailing times.
Service members can do more than just vote to participate in the political world; however there are certain rules to follow.
According to Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, Service members may:
- Make monetary contributions to an organization
- Display a small bumper sticker
- Participate in petitions and other specific legislative action without being identified by rank or duty title
- Write to an editor of a newspaper about politics, however rank and duty title may not be used, and if a Service member is identified, it must be expressly stated that said member does not speak on behalf of the military
For more information on political guidelines, contact Langley's legal office at (757) 764-3277 or Fort Eustis's legal office at (757) 826-5288.
Also, if there are any questions pertaining to how to vote or similar assistance, contact your unit's voting representative. If further information is required, contact Langley's voting assistance program at vote@langley.af.mil.
For Fort Eustis personnel looking for voting assistance, contact the Fort Eustis voting assistance office at
usarmy.jble.asa.mbx.voting@mail.mil.