Assistance for voters at Andersen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  Voting season is just around the corner and members of Team Andersen are registering now to submit their votes for the coming 2012 Presidential elections.

"The most common mistake made by voters is that they assume they are registered to vote," said Maj. Jamal Williams, 36th Wing voting assistance officer. "Sometimes upon arriving, potential voters come to find out they are not registered and then they aren't able to vote."

The Department of Defense encourages all members of the Armed Forces and federal civilian employees to register and vote. The DoD also actively supports the Federal Voting Assistance Program to ensure its personnel have the resources, time and ability to participate in their civic duty.

Additionally, DoD leaders and military commanders appoint voting assistance officers at every level of command and ensure they are trained and equipped to provide voting assistance.

"My best advice for members of Team Andersen would be to register for every cycle before they vote," said Major Williams. "Even if you are registered, it doesn't hurt to re-register."

To register, applicants fill out a federal post card application and send their form to their county election office. The only information needed to register is the last know permanent address and county in which that address resides. Voters also have the option to register online at fvap.gov, where registration forms can be printed off and mailed in.

Failure to register in time can complicate the process of voting. Those planning to vote in the upcoming elections need to register before Sept. 15.

For more information or questions, contact the voting assistance officer at 366-1075.

"Voting is a right," said Major Williams. "It's one of many rights we defend, so taking the opportunity to register is important."

It is Air Force policy to encourage active duty members to carry out their rights and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. However, while on active duty members are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities as prescribed below in order to maintain good order and discipline and to avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of improper endorsement in political matters. For more information or questions on policy, servicemembers can reference AFI59-902.