Voting as easy at 1, 2, 3

  • Published
  • By Lori Wilson
  • 383rd Training Squadron
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Department of Defense has named Aug. 31-Sept. 7 Armed Forces Voting Week, a time to raise voting awareness among eligible voters. 

During this week, all of Sheppard's Unit Voting Assistance Officers will make a concerted effort to contact all military service members about voting. On Nov. 4, nation will not only select a president, but also 34 senators, 435 congressmen, 13 state governors and thousands of local officials. 

Because of Sheppard's technical training mission, many of eligible voters reading this may have only recently become old enough to vote. Some may just have questions about how to register, how to vote away from home states, and when to vote. It's a simple three-step process. 

First, get registered. Only registered voters may vote, so make sure to get that done early, especially if voting with an absentee ballot. The Internet is an easy way to get information on the registration process. Go to www.fvap.gov for information about the entire process. 

Unit Voting Assistance Officers are also good sources of information. They are trained and ready to help. For those not sure who is their UVAO, call the base operator to get that contact information. 

Second, get educated. Get to know the candidates and the issues that are up for election. Be an informed voter and vote based on intelligent, researched convictions. 

Finally, vote. Many military members will do this via absentee ballot because they are out of their home state. Again, the on-line resources make this relatively easy. Whether voting via absentee ballot or at the polls, your Unit Voting Assistance Officers are here to help you overcome any obstacle. 

It's important to remember that the right to vote is a cherished right among many our veterans secured for us. Since the 1700s, thousands of U.S. servicemen and women have given their lives preserving liberty and securing democracy. 

Remember, the three steps to vote are: get registered...get educated...and vote.