The things that are important to Marines and their families like basic pay and allowances, GI Bill, childcare subsidies, medical and dental care and retirement among others are given, modified  or taken away per local, state and national policies. The time has come for voters to let their voices be heard.

Not a California resident?  Not a problem. The Marine Corps has recognized the need to put the absentee voting program in place to assist Marines who live away from their home of record.



For voting purposes, “legal voting residence” can be the State or territory where a person last resided prior to entering military service or the state or territory that he or she has since claimed as his or her legal residence, according to the federal voting assistance program website. Even though a person may no longer maintain formal ties to that residence, the address determines his or her  proper voting jurisdiction. To claim a new legal residence, a person must have simultaneous physical presence and the intent to return to that location as their primary residence.



This year absentee voting week takes place from 29 September to 6 October. Per Maradmin 446/14, during absentee voting week, all eligible voters are encouraged to return their completed absentee ballots. By returning the ballot this week, each respective state or territory can ensure the vote will be counted in the upcoming mid-term elections.

Voting absentee in both midterm and presidential elections gives Marines and their families the opportunity to voice their approval or displeasure with their local, state and national representatives and policies, said Cpl. Krishaun Lavalais, an installation voting assistance office clerk for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.



States and territories begin mailing ballots at least 45 days before an election. If a voter has not received their ballot 30 days before the election, he or she can contact their local election official or Unit Voting Assistance Officer. Voters who have not received their state absentee ballot by absentee voting week can use the Federal Write-in Absentee ballot, which is an emergency ballot and is valid when a voter does not receive their ballot on time, said Lavalais.



Every unit has a UVAO who can provide Marines and their families assistance in completing absentee ballots or registering to vote.



For more information on voting absentee, please contact your UVAO or visit FVAP.gov or refer to Maradmin 446/14.