How Military Members Can Ensure Their Votes Count Using Federal Absentee Ballots

U.S. military personnel stationed abroad are advised to obtain and print Federal Write-in Absentee Ballots (FWABs) in the event that they have not yet received absentee ballots from their hometowns, as election day is imminent. Three Republican legislators claimed that troops were informed of a potential shortage of backup absentee ballots, which could potentially affect voting access. Consequently, concerns were raised. Nevertheless, a veterans organization has clarified that the Department of Defense (DoD) is not accountable for the distribution of these ballots.

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Janessa Goldbeck, CEO of the non-partisan Vet Voice Foundation, underscored that the Department of Defense's obligation is to disseminate information regarding absentee ballots, rather than to distribute them directly. FWABs are a fallback option for service members and their families who are abroad and can be accessed through the Federal Voting Assistance Program's website. These ballots may be downloaded, printed, and returned to their respective election offices via mail.

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Three members of Congress wrote to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on October 30, conveying their apprehension that certain troops believe they have not received sufficient guidance on the process of requesting and completing FWABs. These ballots enable military personnel to vote in the event that their standard absentee ballots have not yet arrived.

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The Defense Department provides assurance that FWABs are accessible online and can be accessed at any time by military personnel stationed abroad. Despite logistical obstacles, veteran advocates encourage troops to utilize this option to guarantee that their ballots are recorded.

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