MARADMIN 478/26
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.//