Exercise your right: Vote

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Smith
  • 52nd Operations Support Squadron
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Voting: It is a vital right we in the armed forces defend every day. By exercising your right to vote, you are letting your voice be known, and you're telling your civic leader(s) that you care what decisions are being made. As Andrew Lack said, "Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote." For such an important right, there are a lot of myths about voting. Here is the truth behind some of the myths.

Myth: Because it is a non-Presidential election year it isn't important to vote.

Fact: During the 2014 election cycle, 33 senate seats, 435 House of Representatives seats, 36 governorships, state and local offices, and various ballot questions and referendums will all be decided. With all these races it is just as important that you make your voice heard.

Myth: Your vote doesn't matter or it will not have an impact.

Fact: Many elections have been very close. A few examples are in 2006, the Oklahoma State House of Representatives was won by only two votes. Another, great example is the 1974 New Hampshire Senate race which was decided also, by only two votes. Finally, in 2000 President George W. Bush narrowly won the state of Florida by 537 votes to win the election, in which each vote was scrutinized.

Myth: States all have the same election rules and deadlines for military and overseas voters.

Fact: States have different rules in regard to how and when the forms are returned. Visit www.FVAP.gov for your state-specific guidelines.

Myth: Military spouses and dependents can't use military absentee voting forms.

Fact: Military family members who will be 18 years of age or older by Election Day should use the federal post card application and the federal write-in absentee ballot.

Myth: I can't vote if I'm deployed.

Fact: If you are registered to vote, you can vote. If you don't get your state ballot in time, you can use a FWAB found at www.FVAP.gov. Remember to submit the form at least 30 days prior to the scheduled election.

Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy and what many folks have fought and died for. Do not take such a valued right for granted. As President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, "The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter." So do not let anything stop you from getting you voice heard. The following if a list of upcoming elections:

July - Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina primary runoffs.

August - Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, , Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming primaries with a South Dakota primary runoff.

September - Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island primaries.

General Election - Nov. 4, 2014.

For more information, visit www.FVAP.gov or see your squadron voting officer for assistance.