Voting in a Deployed Environment

It occurred to me during the presidential campaign of 2008 that I am witnessing history in the making. For the first time in American presidential politics all the major candidates are Senators. For the first time in the history of American politics a woman, an African American and a former prisoner of war (POW) all have a real and viable chance of being elected President of the most power country in the world, The United States of America.

Yes-siry this is a very exciting time for me indeed! After all, I have always been a political conesore. In December of 2007, I completed an extensive certification training program and was certified by the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program as a Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). As the VAO, I am responsible for providing accurate, non-partisan voting information and assistance to service members and others attempting to exercise their Constitutional right to vote.

Voting is more then just a constitutional right but it is also a privilege that should not be taken for granted. Many have fought and died to give individuals around the world the opportunity to take part in democracy. Voting is the great equalizer. Your vote matters and your vote counts! It matters not how much money you have, your position in society or your birth lineage, all votes count the same.

For example, the President’s vote carries the same weight as the homeless town bum living on the street. Bill Gates’ vote carries the same weight as the single mother on welfare with 5 children to feed. That is the beauty of our electoral system in America. While you are deployed, you should not give up your right, your duty to vote. You should and must vote!

You may be asking yourself how I can vote when I am deployed and serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait or anywhere outside of the United States for that matter? The answer is simple. Obtain an absentee ballot. With an absentee ballot you will be able to write in your candidate of choice and have your vote counted as though you never left the comforts of home. It is important to contact your individual state for greater details on the voting process as every state has their own election roles. A good starting point to get information may be found at http://www.fvap.gov/index.html