Secretary of War Announces Voting Stand-Down for Military

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth recently revealed plans for a one-day stand-down in October, aimed at giving military personnel ample opportunity to vote.

In a post shared on social media, Hegseth stated that this stand-down will be a regular occurrence every election year, designed to eliminate obstacles for service members wanting to participate in elections.

“I am directing all commanders and supervisors at every level to conduct a one-day stand-down in the month of October,” Hegseth said. “Every warrior will be given the opportunity to vote.”

The memo released by the U.S. Department of War outlines the “Military Voting Stand Down” as a way to ensure that service members can dedicate time to “training, processing, and submission of Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA)”—this is the form used for voter registration and to request absentee ballots for military personnel and U.S. citizens living abroad.

Additionally, the memorandum mandates that commanders must allow time for service members to vote while on duty, should they choose to do so.

The directive also emphasizes the need for flexibility in scheduling, which would help troops assist their families with registration and the absentee voting process.

This stand-down will be held in October in even-numbered years, with a deadline for completion set for October 15th of this year.

Hegseth clarified that this initiative is intended to remain nonpartisan, reflecting the administration’s goal for an “apolitical War Department.”

“We’re not telling you who to vote for,” the secretary clarified. “But we will give you every opportunity to do so. It’s then up to you to exercise your right as an American to choose your elected leaders.”

The memo further states that “No commander, VAO [Voting Assistance Officer], or leader at any level shall attempt to influence, direct, or advise a Service member or their family on how or for whom to vote.”