With the 2016 election fast approaching, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is increasing its outreach during Absentee Voters Week, to be held from 26 September through 3 October 2016. Absentee Voters Week will focus on all active-duty members and their voting age dependents for the remaining State/Primary Elections and the General Presidential Election to be held on November 8th, 2016. The goal is to encourage everyone to return their mailed voting ballots immediately or use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB).
“It can be difficult for service members and citizens abroad to exercise their right to vote because of the need to constantly move and the uncertainty of the absentee voting process. FVAP aims to make the process as simple as possible,” explains Capt Kevin Steuterman, Team Hill Installation Voting Assistance Officer. Military members and U.S. citizens may find themselves confused about the voting process and how to participate. Most U.S. citizens have the luxury of simply visiting their local election office on voting day to place their vote in-person. Service members often find themselves in a difficult circumstance. Since each State runs their own election process, you can only vote in your current state of residency or home of record, either in-person or through the absentee voting process. Of particular concern are young airmen. “In every election cycle there are many airmen who will be first-time eligible voters, and we want to ensure they have all of the resources needed to successfully vote, now and in the future.” said Capt Steuterman.
In order to participate in this election while outside your home state/legal residence, you must visit www.fvap.gov, complete the FWAB, and submit it to your local election office no later than 8 October, 2016. You can go online to fill in the FWAB at www.fvap.gov and use the FWAB Wizard that will help you complete the process step-by-step, even filling in your candidate choices based on your State of residence.
Military and civilian members are encouraged to request voting assistance from their Unit Voting Representatives, or the IVA Office can also help you fill in and physically mail off your voting materials. Please contact us at hill.vote@us.af.mil or via our IVA Office telephone number at 801-777-9439.
