Exercising Your Civic Right to Vote, Voting Resources, and Military Voting Stand Down

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 (brian.n.mitchell.civ@usmc.mil) 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.