Voting this November

By Jennifer Mattson, NCO JournalMarch 21, 2012

Federal Voting Assistance Program
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Voting Illustration
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Soldiers have gone to Iraq and Afghanistan to defend American interests and support the democracies emerging there. But many Soldiers will fail to execute their constitutional right and won't vote in this November's election, Army officials say.

Soldiers downrange or stationed in Korea and Germany will have to plan ahead to ensure their absentee ballots get counted in time. The Army has designated voting assistance officers down to the company level to help Soldiers exercise their right to vote. And the Federal Assistance Voter Program provides expatriates and military members resources to help them vote absentee.

"The Federal Voting Assistance Program has more than 5,000 Soldiers facilitating the voter program in the Army to ensure every Soldier's vote counts," said Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Willison, a senior human resources sergeant at Human Resources Command and the voting assistance officer for Soldier programs.

NCOs should lead by example when it comes to voting in U.S. elections, Willison said. It's important that NCOs know the programs and tools in place to ensure every Soldier has a voice and can vote, even when he or she is downrange. Being deployed makes certain things more difficult, but NCOs can allot enough time -- at least 45 days before the election -- to ensure their Soldiers' votes will count, he said.

"In my experience downrange, Soldiers will have a computer or will have access to one. From there, it's easy to download a pre-paid envelope, print it and print off your ballot, and vote," Willison said. "And if a Soldier needs help, the voting assistance officer is there to provide support."

Moreover, Soldiers also have access to programs and websites that they can share with their voting-age family members, Willison said.

All Soldiers, whether stateside or downrange, can download federal absentee voting ballots if their local election officials haven't sent them one. Otherwise, at least 45 days before the election, Soldiers should receive their absentee ballots if they have followed the process and if their local election officials have responded to their requests for an absentee ballot.

This year, no Soldier has an excuse to not vote in the presidential election, Willison said.

"I encourage all Soldiers to get out and vote," Willison said. "I would say it's the responsibility of NCOs to ensure their Soldiers understand their rights and to encourage their junior Soldiers to vote."

Related Links:

Can I Vote?

NCO Journal March issue online

Federal Voting Assistance Program

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