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“The influence over government must be shared among all the people. If every individual which composes their mass participates of the ultimate authority, the government will be safe.” – Thomas Jefferson
Our forefathers, Thomas Jefferson included, saw a new world formed—a world where individuals would keep the government in check and prevent overzealous leaders from pushing their taxes and personal agendas on them. For this government to be successful, individuals need to participate. Our participation in government comes in many forms, but the main one is voting.
“This process of election affords a moral certainty that the office of President will seldom fall to the lot of any man who is not in an eminent degree endowed with the requisite qualifications.” – Alexander Hamilton
Not all elections are presidential elections. While these are the most publicized and likely the most contentious, there are elections at every level. Within your voting residence, you are voting for local chairpersons, mayors, and congresspeople who represent the individuals of that district. To know who is on the ballot and what to expect for platforms, you need to be registered to vote.
Registration
Every vote counts, and collectively, they shape the direction of governance, impact social issues, and determine the allocation of resources. From the small allocation of local funds at the city level, to state to the nation, voting impacts where funding is spent. Voting protects the ability to vote in the future. Voting often decides where resources schools get, which roads are repaired and how many snow trucks to have at the ready. The first step to sharing your opinion on these topics is to register to vote.
Register to vote at vote.gov
For military voters, the Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP, provides the ability to vote absentee. Need help registering to vote? Look up your base here to contact the Installation Voter Assistance Office.
Absentee Ballots
Active-duty military and their dependents who live outside their voting residence can vote absentee. Submit a Federal Post Card Application. This form can be printed and sent in annually to ensure that your information is up to date and ready to be utilized for every election you are eligible to vote in.
The MOVE Act requires states to send absentee ballots to absentee voters at least 45 days before federal elections, so look out for your ballot around this time period before an expected election. Contact your local voting office if you haven’t received your absentee ballot and are expecting one. Find your voting residence here.
A few reminders for the military voter:
- Update Your Address: If you want your absentee ballot to arrive, you must have the correct address for the registrar to mail it to.
- Update Any Preferences: Don’t forget if you want to vote in certain party preliminaries, you must be registered to vote for that party.
In conclusion, voting is not merely a right; it is a responsibility and a privilege that should be cherished and exercised by all eligible citizens. The outcomes of elections have far-reaching consequences that affect individuals, families, and communities for years to come. By casting your ballot, you can shape the future, advocate for your beliefs, and create positive change in society. Voting is a cornerstone of democracy and every American citizen should commit to participating actively in the electoral process, ensuring that our voices are heard and our values upheld in the halls of power.
