EXERCISING YOUR CIVIC RIGHT TO VOTE, VOTING RESOURCES, AND MILITARY VOTING STAND DOWN

R 071140Z OCT 26
MARADMIN 478/26
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MF//
SUBJ/EXERCISING YOUR CIVIC RIGHT TO VOTE, VOTING RESOURCES, AND
MILITARY VOTING STAND DOWN//
REF/A/DOC/DOD DIRECTIVE 1344.10/19FEB08//
REF/B/LTR/SECWAR/01OCT26//
REF/C/LTR/SECNAV/30SEP26//
REF/D/DOC/UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT//
REF/E/DOC/5 U.S.C. SECTIONS 7321-7326//
REF/F/DOC/DODI 1334.01/13JUL21//
REF/G/DOC/5 C.F.R. PARTS 733-734//
REF/H/DOC/CMC/25JUN21//
REF/I/MSG/SECNAV/R0161755ZOCT26//
NARR/REF A IS THE DOD DIRECTIVE ON POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS
OF THE ARMED FORCES. REF B IS THE SECRETARY OF WAR MEMORANDUM ON
MILITARY STAND DOWN. REF C IS THE ACTING SECRETARY OF NAVY MEMORANDUM
EXERCISING YOUR CIVIC RIGHTS TO VOTE AND VOTING RESOURCES. REF D IS
THE UNIFORMED AND OVERSEAS CITIZENS ABSENTEE VOTING ACT. REF E IS
THE HATCH ACT. REF F IS THE DOD INSTRUCTION WEARING OF THE UNIFORM.
REF G IS POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES. REF H IS MCO
1742.1C, THE MARINE CORPS VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. REF I IS ALNAV
062/26, EXERCISING YOUR CIVIC RIGHT TO VOTE, VOTING RESOURCES, AND
MILITARY VOTING STAND DOWN//
POC/BRIAN MITCHELL/GS12/UNIT: MFP-4/-/TEL: (703) 784-9511/
EMAIL: [email protected]//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. This message reminds all personnel of the
fundamental importance of participating in the democratic process.
As upcoming election dates approach, the constitutional liberties
we safeguard each day are anchored in our democratic traditions and
the right of every citizen to cast a ballot. Voting is both a
cherished right and an essential civic responsibility. All personnel
are encouraged to plan, confirm eligibility, and make their voices
heard.
2. Per reference (b), all Commanders are to conduct a voting stand
down during the month of October specifically for their assigned
military personnel, led by their senior officer present if no local
O-6 is available and Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). This stand
down will be completed no later than 15 October 2026.
3. Commander's Responsibilities:
3.a. Effective immediately and no later than 15 October 2026, lead a
minimum one to two- hour Voting Assistance Standdown with the Command
VAO. This is to ensure every Marine and sailor, Active and Reserve,
is provided guidance on comprehensive voting resources, Service
Member training, guidance on individual state registration deadlines
and ballot requirements, and hands-on administrative support for
processing and submitting Federal Post Card Applications for those
voting via absentee ballot.
3.b. Allow time for personnel to vote during the duty day, if they
choose.
3.c. Allow maximum scheduling flexibility to allow personnel the
time necessary to assist their spouses and voting-age dependents with
voter registration and absentee ballot applications.
3.d. Roll-up and Reporting: 100% engagement. Marine Corps Major
Command VAOs per reference (h), submit standdown completion
verification to the Headquarters Marine Corps Service Voting Action
Officer (SVAO) via email ([email protected]) upon
conclusion no later than 20 October 2026. Reserve units report with
the percent complete and the planned date by which all will be
trained.
4. Resources:
4.a. Official, nonpartisan assistance is available through the
following verified programs:
4.a.(1) Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP): provides
state-by-state voter guides, absentee request forms, and the backup
federal write-in absentee ballot at www.fvap.gov.
4.a.(2) Military OneSource: offers nonpartisan voting support and
resources at www.militaryonesource.mil.
4.a.(3) Unit VAO: the command-designated VAO is available to assist
with voter registration and absentee ballot transmission.
4.a.(4) Local election officials: authoritative state and local
election websites provide sample ballots, polling place details, and
local ballot measure information.
5. Guidance on political neutrality:
5.a. Per references (b) and (c), all voting assistance activities
must remain strictly nonpartisan. No Commander, VAO, or leader at any
level can attempt to influence, direct, or advise personnel on how or
for whom to vote. All personnel must adhere to statutory regulations
governing political neutrality.
5.a.(1) Per references (a), Military personnel must avoid engaging in
partisan political activities while in uniform, in an official
capacity, or in any manner implying department endorsement.
Reference (e) provides further guidance on proper wear of the
uniform.
5.a.(2) Per references (d) and (g), civilian employees must ensure
all partisan political activities take place off duty, off federal
property, and without the use of official equipment, networks, or
titles. Reference (f) provides further guidance on political
activities of federal employees.
6. For additional guidance or registration packages, contact your
command VAO or the Federal Voting Assistance Program command
administration office.
7. This MARADMIN applies to the Active Component, members of the
Reserve component, Marines on Active-Duty Operational Support Orders,
and their family members.
8. Release authorized by Lieutenant General William J. Bowers,
Deputy Commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.//