ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (June 17, 2015) -- The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command takes the lead on executing its version of the Army's Voting Assistance Program to educate its workforce about voting and the absentee voting process in preparation for the 2015 mid-term elections.
Army Regulation 608-20, which outlines the voting program, ensures members of the U.S. Army including Soldiers, civilians, contractors, and family members, are educated about the importance of voting and are provided with voting information such as voting age requirements, general and primary election dates, officers to be elected, absentee registration and voting procedures.
"The primary goal of the AVAP is to actively assist Soldiers and other eligible individuals to register and vote without violating statute or regulation," said Rufus Flemons, ATEC's senior voting assistance officer (SVAO.)
The primary responsibility of the SVAO and VAO's are to ensure that every Soldier has been contacted with information regarding voting and the absentee voting process.
"Your vote is your voice as an American citizen. It's your opportunity to be heard, to hold elected officials accountable for their decisions and to have a say in important issues that affect your community. On Election Day, every vote matters" Flemons said.
Each subordinate command under ATEC including: Army Evaluation Center, Aberdeen Test Center, Dugway Proving Ground, Electronic Proving Ground, Operational Test Command, Redstone Test Center, White Sands Missile Range, Yuma Proving Ground, has been designated a Voting Assistance Officers (VAO.)
VAOs serve as a resource to the workforce to obtain voting registration materials and information, including hard copies of the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (SF 186). The FPCA allows eligible U.S. citizens to apply to register to vote, request an absentee ballot and update their mailing addresses after permanent change of station moves and deployments. Personnel may also access and fill out these forms online at www.fvap.gov.
During Aberdeen Proving Ground's Armed Forces Voters Week observance, June 30 through July 7, personnel will have an opportunity to learn more at voter information tables on display at APG North and South, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ATEC personnel should call 410-278-1339 to contact their local voting assistance officer.
Garrison personnel should call 410-306-2302 to contact their local voting assistance officer.
For more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program or how to register or request a FPCA, visit www.fvap.gov. Any questions or concerns, call FVAP Call Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 1-800-438-8683 (VOTE).
Related Links:
The U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command
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