There is a big election coming in November. You may question whether your vote will make a difference. For many, especially those in unique circumstances like military families, the logistics of voting can seem daunting, leading to apathy or disengagement. The recent history of tight election margins and the importance of every single vote in shaping the future cannot be overstated. Make sure your vote counts, whether you are overseas, serving outside your voter district or can’t get out to vote on the official day of the election.
Absentee, Mail Voting, Early Voting for Military Families
Military families often face unique challenges when it comes to voting. Frequent relocations, deployments, and living overseas can make it difficult to participate in elections. However, absentee and by-mail voting options are available to ensure that every member of the military community can exercise their right to vote, regardless of their location.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is a crucial resource for military members, their families, and U.S. citizens living abroad. The FVAP provides information on how to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and track the ballot’s status. Military families must understand that they can vote from anywhere in the world, and their votes will be counted just as if they were cast in person on Election Day.
To vote absentee, military members and their families must first register to vote. This can be done by filling out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which also serves as a request for an absentee ballot. The FPCA can be submitted by mail, fax, or email, depending on the state’s requirements. Once registered, voters will receive absentee ballots, which must be filled out and returned by the state’s deadline. In many cases, the ballot can be returned electronically, making the process more accessible for those stationed abroad.
Most districts also offer voting by mail. As a military spouse who may be unable to get childcare or get down to vote the day of the election, voting by mail is critical. Voting by mail means that the ballot is received with plenty of time to complete and sent back in time for counting on election day.
Many districts also offer early voting. Check out your voting district for early voting locations. These may include local libraries, allowing for easy access before the election.
The importance of understanding and utilizing these options cannot be overstated. Every vote cast by military members and their families contributes to the democratic process and ensures their voices are heard, no matter where they are.
The History of Voter Apathy
Despite absentee and mail voting availability, voter apathy remains a significant issue in the United States.
In the U.S., voter turnout has varied widely over the years, with many elections seeing a substantial portion of eligible voters choosing not to participate. For example, in the 2016 presidential election, nearly 100 million eligible voters did not cast a ballot, representing about 43% of the eligible population. This level of disengagement has significant consequences, as it can lead to outcomes that do not accurately reflect the people’s will.
Several factors contribute to voter apathy, including a lack of trust in the political system, feelings of disillusionment with the candidates, and a sense of powerlessness. For military families, the added complexity of absentee voting can exacerbate these feelings, making it even more crucial to highlight the importance of their participation.
All the same, your vote makes a difference. This presidential election has already seen some unprecedented changes in the line-up. Do not decide not to participate because of the attitude “it won’t make a difference.” Do not be one of the nearly 100 million votes like in 2016 who did not register their beliefs or thoughts by voting for a presidential candidate.
Tight Margins and the Power of a Single Vote
The reality of tight election margins often challenges the belief that one vote doesn’t make a difference. History is replete with examples of elections being decided by a handful of votes, underscoring the importance of every individual’s participation.
The winner of the presidential election is determined by the electoral college. When citizens cast their ballots in a presidential election, they are technically voting for a slate of electors pledged to their candidate of choice. These electors then cast their votes for president and vice president, with a majority of 270 out of 538 electoral votes required to win the presidency. While the electoral college setup may feel like one vote doesn’t make a difference, it does. One of the most famous examples is the 2000 U.S. presidential election, which hinged on a mere 537 votes in Florida. This razor-thin margin ultimately decided the presidency through the Electoral College, highlighting the profound impact that each vote can have. Similarly, in the 2008 Minnesota Senate race, Al Franken won by just 312 votes out of nearly 2.9 million cast, a difference of 0.01%.
The notion that a single vote is insignificant is not supported by history. In fact, in many cases, the opposite is true—individual votes have had a decisive impact on the outcome of elections.
The question of whether voting makes a difference can be answered with a resounding yes. For military families, absentee, by-mail, and early voting provide critical avenues to ensure their voices are heard, regardless of where they are stationed. Overcoming voter apathy and understanding the power of a single vote are essential steps in strengthening our democracy.
Every election presents an opportunity for change, and every vote cast shapes the future. By participating in the electoral process, military families and all citizens can help ensure that the outcomes reflect the true will of the people. In close races, your vote could be the one that makes all the difference.
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