Email   Print   Share By Gerald Mather, Installation Voting Assistance Officer

Facebook Digg Delicious September 27, 2012 | Editorial

Military personnel, whether deployed or at home here at the Great Place, are encouraged to remain a part of the political process by taking the opportunity to register and to vote.

Soldiers and their Family members are encouraged to exercise their rights as American citizens to vote, not only in the upcoming presidential elections, but also in their state and local elections, as well.

Unit Voting Assistance Officers have been trained to ensure Soldiers understand the process required to register and vote for their local candidates, regardless of where in the world they are assigned. These UVAOs can answer Soldiers’ and Family members’ questions regarding where to send documents, state residency or how to find information on the different candidates and political parties.

The Installation Senior Voting Assistance Officers for Fort Hood are Gerald Mather, for U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Hood, and Jeannette Pena, for III Corps.

The voting assistance officer at the installation, as well as at the unit-level, ensures that all Soldiers have someone to assist them in registering to vote.

To register to vote via absentee ballot, Soldiers should have proof of residence, which could include their driver’s license. To register, request a ballot or vote absentee Soldiers and Family members can go to www.fvap.gov for assistance.

The last date to register to vote in Texas is Oct. 9. Ensure you have registered prior to this date. While Election Day is Nov. 6, other states dates for registering may differ. Go to www.fvap.gov to check your specific state for details, or see your Unit Voting Assistance Officer.