An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Article Display

Exercise your right to vote: voting drive, FVAP provide opportunities to obtain absentee ballots

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Danielle Johnson
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  During Armed Forces Voter Week, unit voting assistance officers will provide a voting registration table in the McGuire BX/PX foyer area from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through Saturday.

Servicemembers and their families will be able to register as an absentee voter and request an absentee ballot on the spot and ask general voting questions. They will also be given a federal write-in absentee ballot to use if they do not receive an official absentee ballot from their county election office prior to the general election Nov. 4. Servicemembers deployed during the general election will likely be required to use the write-in ballot to cast their votes.

"Millions of lives were lost fighting for democracy. As members of the U.S. Armed Forces, it is our duty to help protect and promote democracy not just in the United States, but throughout the world," said Maj. Dan Castiglia, 305th Air Mobility Wing installation voting assistance officer. "Every U.S. citizen who cares about freedom, democracy and other national security interests should vote.

"Our right to vote should not be taken for granted," the major said.

Anyone who is unable to register during the Armed Forces Voter Week voting drive should contact their unit voting assistance officer for assistance obtaining absentee voting resources and information. Another absentee voting drive will also be held Oct. 14-17, with times and locations to be determined.

Servicemembers and their families are also eligible to register to vote in the state where they are currently stationed. Residents of Burlington County should contact the Burlington County Board of Elections in the County Administration Building Room G-22 at 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, N.J., or call (609) 265-5062 or (609) 265-5161.

"Each state has different absentee registration deadlines," Major Castiglia said. "If you visit www.fvap.gov and go to your state's hyperlink, you can get specific dates. Otherwise, we recommend that you register as soon as possible. Registering before the end of September will most likely enable you to receive an absentee ballot from your county election office prior to the general election."

For more information, contact your unit voting assistance officer or go online to the Federal Voting Assistance Program web site www.fvap.gov.

Unit representatives are:
305th AMW and mission partners - Major Castiglia, (609) 754-9468
514th Air Mobility Wing - Maj. Ken Adams, (609) 754-6544
Fort Dix - Maj. Marisol Lanza, (609) 562-2598