Why don't more Soldiers vote?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 13:35:25 -0500

Today I gave anyone in my company that wanted to vote the ability to miss PT as long as they gave me the "I voted" sticker they hand out once a ballot is cast. Not a single Soldier took me up on this offer. Approximately 80% of my company are residents of Tennessee so being away from their polling station does not apply. When talking to the ones that aren't residents of Tennessee all of them told me they didn't mail in a ballot for one reason or another. Why do you think Soldiers, Warrant Officers, and Commissioned Officers chose not to vote? This is a right they are willing to lay down their lives for through their military service however they chose not to.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 6:46 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 18:46:38 -0500

SGM Private RallyPoint Member, this is troubling "news." I'm not surprised though, because so many Americans decide not to vote. I guess they can't be bothered. I posted elsewhere on RallyPoint that 40 to 50 percent turnout in a non-presidential election is considered a very good turnout. In a presidential year, 50 to 60 percent is considered good.

I guess people assume their one vote doesn't count for much, but - as you so rightly point out - we (active duty Soldiers, anyhow) put our lives on the line based on the decisions our elected officials make.

It's very disappointing to hear this, but not surprising. Check out the chart in this article. It's pitiful, really.

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/07/24/voter-turnout-always-drops-off-for-midterm-elections-but-why/

Voter turnout always drops off for midterm elections, but why?

Voter turnout, no matter how measured, is consistently lower in midterm elections compared to presidential election years. Political scientists aren't sure why, but have some ideas.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 4 at 2014 6:56 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 18:56:38 -0500

Great thread Top. If you don't does not vote, then you are un-officially not allowed to complain....lol

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 4 at 2014 7:25 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 19:25:40 -0500

SGM Private RallyPoint Member The only thing that I can think of is that many feel that their votes don't matter.

I would argue that with this many positions up for grabs, this election cycle is crucial.

And, I agree with SFC Mark Merino if you don't vote, I don't want to hear anything, not a word. You may not get what you want out of the elections, but at least you got to say something.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 7:47 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 19:47:49 -0500

Apathy, it's killing America.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 7:54 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 19:54:50 -0500

I believe to many folks get hung up that their vote doesn't count when it comes to POTUS so why bother. They forget about all the critical local or state issues that will effect them. They just really don't see the big picture with the house and senate and how important it can be. They also think about all the corruption and BS that surrounds our politicians. So all we can do is keep at them and convince them it is their civic duty and responsibility to leave our country in good hands for future generations.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Nov 4 at 2014 8:25 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 20:25:12 -0500

SGM Private RallyPoint Member I have to applaud you for doing what you can to help motivate your soldiers to get involved. 2 thumbs up!

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2014 9:43 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 21:43:38 -0500

Many Americans are more interested in voting their top idol or talent artists than vote for who governs them.

Response by MAJ Michael Scharff made Nov 5 at 2014 8:45 AM

MAJ Michael Scharff — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 08:45:20 -0500

That is sad!

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Nov 5 at 2014 9:25 AM

SrA Marc Haynes — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 09:25:24 -0500

I asked at my polling location and they said that it was one of the best turnouts they have had in a long time.

I allow any of my employees time of to go vote. Yesterday it was only 50% that went and voted.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Nov 5 at 2014 9:56 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 09:56:38 -0500

Because they are uninformed, while this is not a good thing, I wish more people who did not understand what they are voting for took the opportunity to not vote.

Pushing people to vote, who have no idea about the issues or the people on the ballot gets us personalities instead of people of substance. There is little difference, in my opinion, between the two parties. Most of the electorate does not even understand what it means to be a Republic…heck most of the electorate does not even know we are a Republic?

Last, I would not want to miss PT to vote...there are less important things to miss...but I will find the time to vote.

Response by Cpl Shawn Hueter made Nov 5 at 2014 10:04 AM

Cpl Shawn Hueter — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 10:04:52 -0500

When i was in Iraq i voted absentee, its a right for us to vote. I know a lot of the Marines that I worked with didn't vote, because it seems like what we have to say doesn't matter.

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Nov 5 at 2014 4:17 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 16:17:32 -0500

Voting was a big thing when I was in. However, after several major elections where it was reported that the military vote was thrown out, under counted and otherwise tossed out, I'm not overly surprised. Voting is also a hit or miss activity by age and other statistics. The break down in this pdf. shows, in a nut shell, that lower income people, those with short residencies, the young and minorities have low turn out. Sad but its so. Those are exactly the people that need to be voting.
http://www.nonprofitvote.org/documents/2013/09/america-goes-to-the-polls-2012-voter-participation-gaps-in-the-2012-presidential-election.pdf

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2014 6:48 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 18:48:17 -0500

I think many soldiers take issue with what they consider to be a lack of quality candidates - or even of political ideologies. It's the inherent flaw in a two-party system. We've all heard the jokes about choosing the "lesser of two evils" in elections, but I think there is some actual merit to this notion (at least, in attempting to understand voting trends).

If you break it down objectively by where the parties are at today, you see this:

The younger demographic (the bulk of our fighting force) is predominantly left-leaning on social issues. But where the Democratic Party would pick up these votes, they simultaneously lose them because of the "anti-military" stigma that the party carries (be it right or wrong).

Meanwhile, the GOP is having a hard enough time reaching lifelong Republican voters, much less young voters. Despite its hallmark "pro-military" appeal, the Republican Party can't win the votes of these young voters because of the aforementioned social issues.

I also think that more and more young Americans are inclined to identify with third-party candidates. And so this is the issue that we face:

"If I agree with Candidate A on 2 out of 10 issues, and I agree with Candidate B on 3 out of 10 issues, why would I vote for either of them?"

So, if it is apathy, I think it's a different kind of apathy. Not "my vote doesn't matter," but rather, "it's just two sides of the same coin, which I want nothing to do with."

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Nov 5 at 2014 7:47 PM

TSgt Phillip L. — Wed, 05 Nov 2014 19:47:54 -0500

My experience was that most active duty military didn't feel that any of the candidates represented their interests. I can easily articulate how one party tends to represent and endorse pro-military/veteran viewpoints than the other...but ultimately many of them are right. We don't have a strong veteran party in this country. I'd be up for being a part of fixing that. But then....I'm the crazy guy that thinks we need to overturn some of the voting amendments and reform our voting system. Civil/Military service or own property....or you don't vote on national elections. It forces those who are voting for "free stuff" to have some skin in the game.

Response by PO1 Pj Gabe made Nov 6 at 2014 1:40 PM

PO1 Pj Gabe — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 13:40:31 -0500

For some, when you see the recent attacks by all parties on the backs of military and veterans.

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/11/01/senator-questions-system-allowing-triple-dipping-veterans.html?ESRC=navy-a.nl

http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2014/11/dear-school-principal-veterans-day.html

and this was just today's news from military.com

It is disgusting by the lack of backing for troops and all they have accomplished and done to protect the 90% of pop. who have no idea what it is we have sacrificed.
I for one don't care if i am recognized for my service, but when they start attacking our pensions, compensations(not benefits) and deciding where you can fly the Flag. That is where many get sick and tired of the lack of support by the elected officials.
I am good enough to go fight for you anywhere at any time, but when i am done and i have returned in a damaged manner i can be given a pat on the shoulder and shown the door.

Senator Questions System Allowing 'Triple Dipping' Veterans

Nearly 60,000 veterans were triple dippers last year, drawing a total of $3.5 billion in military retirement pay plus veterans and Social Security disability benefits at the same time, congressional auditors report.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 24 at 2015 9:22 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 21:22:05 -0500

Actually, I think this comes to representation in the modern era.

As the times have changed the military voter has changed as well.

We can no longer be classified as primarily Republican or primarily Democrat.

Although more military votes Republican than any other party (35%-40%), that figure really doesn't mean much, because of the actual spread.

As more studies come out, most military are starting to "identify" not as the classic R/D parties, but generally as independent. That in turn means that the available representation, those who they can vote for, is not who they want to vote for.

Just because I have a vote, doesn't mean the candidates on the ballot are entitled to it. In many cases, I have looked at both (or all candidates) and said, I would rather have none of them have it than give it to any of them. These people do not represent me, my beliefs or what I want in this country.

The two reigning parties have political philosophies which have many good points. They also have points which are so bad that I cannot in good conscience support at all. The question of "How can you support a person to condones X?" comes up, and not having a valid answer is reasonable.

So I don't necessarily think it's apathy. I think as our forces are getting smarter, and they have access to more information more easily, they have a harder time choosing.

Response by CMDCM Lawrence Dajnowski made Oct 25 at 2024 4:14 PM

CMDCM Lawrence Dajnowski — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:14:02 -0400

oter registration fraud in Pennsylvania reported today. So here we go again.
No wonder most of us active and retired military don't want anything to do with voting.
Also the current administration will somehow hold it against use if we vote for the other party and I can believe that.
See the following link for the voter registration fraud:
https://www.yahoo.com/news/pennsylvania-county-says-election-workers-142748278.html

Pennsylvania county says 2,500 voter registrations being investigated for possible fraud

A criminal investigation is underway in the crucial presidential battleground of Pennsylvania after election workers in one county flagged about 2,500 voter registration forms for potential fraud. The forms arrived at the Lancaster County elections office shortly before the state’s deadline to register this past Monday and were apparently part of a larger effort to sign people up, officials said Friday. Two other counties “received similar...

Response by Cpl Ronald Watts made Oct 25 at 2024 4:16 PM

Cpl Ronald Watts — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:16:47 -0400

My response would be, there is no complaining about the way government is run, if
you don't care enough to VOTE!!
Ron Watts

Response by CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2024 4:20 PM

CPL(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:20:32 -0400

I’m still junior enlisted. So my first presidential election I could vote in was 2020. And the time period I started getting old enough to be concerned with politics was about the same time politics started running to Twitter to shove themselves down everyone’s throat. So from my point of view, all politics have been for me, primarily US politics, but other countries included, had been two people bickering back and forth at each other about nonsense and throwing insults during nation changing debates like it’s a kindergarten schoolhouse argument. By the time voting time comes around, I’m so tired of hearing anything about politics that I can’t be bothered to even procrastinate and go last minute to vote. If I got reprimanded for not voting, I’d gladly take the reprimand.

Response by CPO Bill Frey made Oct 25 at 2024 4:31 PM

CPO Bill Frey — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:31:07 -0400

I can’t speak intelligently about your group. I can say when I went through my early years serving I could give a “F” about elections. I was concerned with me, how I was doing, where I was going, what would happen to me, in my own reality. It’s was just not important to me at the time, I didn’t care. I was blind, I could not see the forest through the trees.now so many many years later this particular election we seem to have a choice between a shit sandwich and a diarrhea shake. I don’t blame your people for not willing to make an effort. Maybe they were like my younger years, perhaps they don’t like what’s being served.

Response by PO2 Lorraine Corso made Oct 25 at 2024 4:31 PM

PO2 Lorraine Corso — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:31:22 -0400

I voted for Trump for the 3rd time! I hope its the charm!

Response by SPC David C. made Oct 25 at 2024 4:34 PM

SPC David C. — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:34:45 -0400

I vote, because I believe that is my civic responsibility. That said, I'm a firm believer in what Mark Twain reportedly said, “If voting made any difference they wouldn't let us do it.” Now I have no idea if he actually said that or not, but so many questionable things go on around the election season, EVERY election season, that it's hard to believe decisions aren't being made elsewhere that negate anything I'm doing on my end. I just don't trust the government.

Response by SFC Fernando Campos made Oct 25 at 2024 4:39 PM

SFC Fernando Campos — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:39:18 -0400

When you don't vote, the one you don't support gets it. Make your voice be heard, take the time and vote for all that is riight.

Response by SSG Shawn Hamil made Oct 25 at 2024 4:40 PM

SSG Shawn Hamil — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:40:06 -0400

Well actually to be correct we are a representative republic not a democracy

Response by SPC Robert Conway made Oct 25 at 2024 4:40 PM

SPC Robert Conway — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:40:27 -0400

Some of the answers here present the problem with the issue, not the answer to the question, but the problem.

People don't understand how and why their votes does matter, and they don't understand what they can do if they don't like the choices. This comes from a lack of education. When I was a kid, I had civics class and Schoolhouse Rock that showed me the importance of citizenship, and how to be a part of the process.

We need that education back. It doesn't exist today, and it should.

Military should vote, they should be proud to do so. Public service is important, whether it is military or civilian government.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2024 4:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:47:01 -0400

Truthfully in the service, I was never afforded the opportunity. It’s kind of like all the great programs that SFLTAP offers like CSP that always gets denied because “business as usual” and area beautification matter more to the high ups in most units. That was just my experience at least

Response by CMSgt Peter McDermott made Oct 25 at 2024 4:47 PM

CMSgt Peter McDermott — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:47:27 -0400

I will not speak for all but the entire process is fouled with rhetoric or misleading information and so many are just tired of it. Not to mention how negative so many react if you do not feel as they do. I do to agree many feel as if their vote would not matter. I believe we all need to vote, as long as you are a citizen of this country and have idea to prove who you are. Anything less does not make any rational sense. We all need to become very aware that voting is about the people of this country and our future in it. It should be taken very seriously. I wish they could clean up the comments that are allowed to be made on an opponent and the rethoric and slander should not be allowed from either side. I wish we could stop pointing fingers, except when things go wrong and correct them. Also for the office of President it’s only 4 years, it’s not about you when you are in this position it’s about this land and its people and its future. Anything less should bot be acceptable.

Response by PFC Mark Thompson made Oct 25 at 2024 4:53 PM

PFC Mark Thompson — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:53:07 -0400

I believe that they (hate to write it) woke up to what the warmongers in D.C. are doing , using them as political cannon fodder and lets not forget ,MURDERING in Gaza by Israel . The world is against that and We the Great U.S. are helping.....Who can you vote for?....They both want War!

Response by SGT Jodi WittBailey made Oct 25 at 2024 5:04 PM

SGT Jodi WittBailey — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:04:54 -0400

PT was earlier (0630) than the polling stations open for early voting (0800) in TN.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2024 5:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:06:17 -0400

If you are deployed it's sometimes tough to get a ballot. But, otherwise it's probably a sign that the soldier, sailor or marine just doesn't trust our own government and that the biggest cheater wins.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2024 5:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:07:36 -0400

A lot of soldiers did not vote while I was in due to not wanting to be singled out for doing so and being afraid of retaliation from senior personnel if they voted different from the ideas of their squad leaders,platoon sergeants, platoon leaders or company commanders. As I had a Company commander that made statements that anyone that voted for a certain president should be drummed out of the Army back in the 1970's

Response by LTC David Howard made Oct 25 at 2024 5:18 PM

LTC David Howard — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:18:30 -0400

This might be a more recent situation. I retired over 30 years ago, but during my active years when there was no such thing as early voting, it seemed most soldiers were receptive to the very easy chore of requesting an absentee ballot. For the 1972 election I was the Voting Participation officer for my organization. I had literally a few hundred requests for help in requesting the absentee ballot. Personally, ever since the first time I was eligible to vote back in 1964 I have not missed a single Presidential or mid-term election, even when where I was living meant my vote for other than the Leftwing Democrat would likely not mean a thing.

Response by SP5 Michael Lewis made Oct 25 at 2024 5:19 PM

SP5 Michael Lewis — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:19:21 -0400

I think it is part of my American duties to vote. I have not missed a vote since I was 18, I am now 67. I tell my wife, if you don't vote, I don't want to hear you complain about who got in. It is more important now than it has ever been in my opinion. If it is not done right, our democracy will be gone forever!!!! VOTE

Response by CPO Melvin Miller made Oct 25 at 2024 5:20 PM

CPO Melvin Miller — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:20:35 -0400

My brother who is in his 70's has never voted. His excuse his one vote will not matter. Every vote counts but he is a stubborn old jarhead. I have only missed a couple elections in my life through no fault of my own. I was deployed and absentee ballots did not reach me. Too many pathetic excuses out there. Every single vote counts. This election is going to be one of the most important in our lives. I have heard that the popular vote is not important its the Electoral College that counts. I agree to a point. This does need to be looked at and maybe adjusted. I have no pity for those that do not vote and then want to critize the results. Just shut the hell up and keep that trap closed.Its like having been a military person or not and then bitching about those that chose to wear the uniform.

Response by Col G Clark made Oct 25 at 2024 5:35 PM

Col G Clark — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:35:15 -0400

I voted every time election when I was still in. I encouraged and gave subordinates time to go vote. These are the people that decide when to declare war, when and where to deploy you…the least you can do is make your voice heard.

At the end of the day, you get what you settle for.

Response by SPC Daniel Brown made Oct 25 at 2024 5:49 PM

SPC Daniel Brown — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:49:48 -0400

I Voted the 1st early voting day.
Also why do these Politian's have to ruin my NFL football games with their ads. We should have a button that says i voted and the ads stop. I am old enough to remember that football games were 1:30 long now because of all the Commercialism and football injuries it has become a 3:00 game.

Response by Sgt Steven Jones made Oct 25 at 2024 6:09 PM

Sgt Steven Jones — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:09:59 -0400

IN THE 70'S AND 80'S voting wasn't encouraged. Since a GI was tuned to the chain of command
I started when Then trump and the GOP (which I consider myself ) a Moderate independent)
chose to elect a Russian Loving Fraud into the Oval.
See..I was one of those Kids that remembers Nuke drills im the 60's.

Response by Maj James Tippins made Oct 25 at 2024 6:16 PM

Maj James Tippins — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:16:03 -0400

It baffles me that more service people elect to pass on voting.
I can only think that something or someone is influencing their decision.
Maybe it's the negative spin on the candidates and the election process.
Maybe it's the millions of dollars of advertising used to dissuade people from voting by lying and deceiving them about candidates.
Of course, citizenship is only taught to immigrants trying to get legal access to the US. They are a small number compared to the military and are taught that we are a democracy.

Response by SPC Daniel Brown made Oct 25 at 2024 6:35 PM

SPC Daniel Brown — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:35:31 -0400

Why couldn't Secretary of Defense Llyod Austin run for President. He in my opinion would be a great choice as he knows when, where and how to protect America and American lives, living here or abroad. I only say that because K. Harris LOL says the military has nobody stationed in the middle east. On the other side of LOL i wonder how many fries Trump ate while serving french fries at McDonalds. No matter who you vote for your vote should be respected.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Oct 25 at 2024 6:38 PM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:38:22 -0400

I don’t understand either. Maybe it’s because no matter who you choose, it’s gonna be a shit show. I ALWAYS voted in the Presidential election. Every one of them absentee ballot. I didn’t vote in the mid term elections. IDK, maybe I didn’t know about them or considered them never minds. The Presidential one was Uber important.

Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Oct 25 at 2024 6:39 PM

1SG Mark Colomb — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:39:23 -0400

We know what right looks like and the choices we are forced to pick from do not pass muster.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2024 6:46 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:46:57 -0400

Convenience Crisis and distraction. The more the military adopts the mindset of the general population, makes exceptions, and the masses must adapt to the individual, the military will see more and more of popular cultures attitude and experience more of general societies problems. Even the most “oppressed” of of our nation have comfort and convenience greater than most of the world. Even without a job, we have a significant population that can live relatively comfortable, receive free healthcare (ERs & EMS can’t turn you away and chances are they’ll give up trying to collect…unless they know you have a job) and a number of other benefits that most in this world only dream of having. Even those of us who escaped the environment of generational poverty and stress, now living in much better socioeconomic conditions (who knows how long that’s gonna last) have become so distracted by convenience and comfort that in the absence of global war, depression, making something out of literally nothing, struggling to grow our own food…we assume that these comforts are guaranteed. If you think for a moment that the lifers in Washington aren’t paying attention to your disinterest and you are too inconvenienced to hold them accountable…think again. Their tactics have worked. It’s up to you to determine how far they can take it.

Response by SGT Gifford Allaire made Oct 25 at 2024 6:56 PM

SGT Gifford Allaire — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:56:36 -0400

I Used to be that way. This election is too damn important to not vote, so I certainly did. Joes need to realize that this election is essentially going to decide the fate of this country....and now matter who they vote for, they need to do so.

Response by PO3 Stephen Bagley made Oct 25 at 2024 7:01 PM

PO3 Stephen Bagley — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:01:52 -0400

Just sad remember politicians get military people killed at least you get a chance to vote them in or out

Response by Sgt Brett Holdeman made Oct 25 at 2024 7:23 PM

Sgt Brett Holdeman — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:23:39 -0400

I think they've either a) become disenchanted due to the last election, when you'd have thought no one but an imbecile would've voted for Killary, mishandler of classified info and forsaker of the Benghazi contractors to fend for themselves when we have the greatest fighting force in the world; or b) they just don't care, not having to be here on American ground each day to suffer the consequences of a communist regime. I don't want to use words like snowflakes or apathetic godless souls, but the words did indeed pop into my head. If this offends anyone, go vote! I did so in the middle of the Pacific after getting my birth certificate sent to me and applying via snail mail for an absentee ballot when Reagan ran against Carter - if I could do that as a patriot, what's anyone else's excuse?!?

Response by MAJ Steve Daugherty made Oct 25 at 2024 8:14 PM

MAJ Steve Daugherty — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:14:26 -0400

I don’t have a real high opinion of either party and when Congress actually does something that benefits the average citizen, it usually is an accident, a byproduct of them doing something that they intended to get a benefit from. Nevertheless I vote every time as I can at least influence a slightly slower pace to destruction if I participate. But I can emphasize with those who look at it that one crook is as bad as another. I am a confirmed monarchist as I believe King Jesus is the only one that can really fix the mess we are in but he tells us to abide till he comes and we cannot be a light to the world if we refuse to participate

Response by SFC Larry Jones made Oct 25 at 2024 8:33 PM

SFC Larry Jones — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:33:04 -0400

I am now70 years old and have been retired from the Army for 29 years. I have not missed voting in a presidential election since 1972, which is the year I became eligible to vote. One year, I had to wear portable oxygen. This year, I will be voting by absentee ballot because of my health.

Response by CPO Charles Helms made Oct 25 at 2024 8:56 PM

CPO Charles Helms — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:56:37 -0400

The electoral college elects the president, but our votes are also needed to elect senators, representatives and out local and state government votes so we need to make these young men and women their votes are very important!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2024 9:07 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:07:08 -0400

Maybe if our elected representatives would make voting for national leaders a legal holiday it would encourage more people to vote, including those in the military. No guarantees of course, but I think the participation would trend upwards.

Response by PFC Ken Mason made Oct 25 at 2024 9:52 PM

PFC Ken Mason — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:52:54 -0400

Because criminal communist Democrats steal elections. Your vote doesn't matter. Destruction of everything good and right is part of the fire sale on everything I ever raised my right hand for.

Response by LTC Alea Morningstar made Oct 25 at 2024 10:10 PM

LTC Alea Morningstar — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 22:10:28 -0400

I believe this election is totally already rigged. WHY? Because I spilled coffee on my ballot, called for a replacement, and after 6 days waiting, got another one. Decided maybe the coffee didn't penetrate the inner envelope so I opened the old one---and the 'sticky' stuff? That's SUPPOSED to keep it closed? OPENS EASILY w/o any tearing of the paper. I kept the new one, sealed, for 6 days and today opened it EASILY, no torn anything. So I TAPED IT CLOSED. Our votes CAN be tampered with, and EASILY.

Response by LTC Alea Morningstar made Oct 25 at 2024 10:21 PM

LTC Alea Morningstar — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 22:21:40 -0400

ps. Here in Hawaii, it always goes Blue, and we usually know who won BEFORE we even vote due to the time difference. Everyone I know who's been blue their entire career voted red last election--yet Hawaii was 'overwhelmingly' blue results. I also find that suspect, as do most of those I know, Dem or Rep. due to so many changing lanes last election and it not seeming to affect results. It is discouraging.

Response by MSG Lonnie Averkamp made Oct 25 at 2024 10:25 PM

MSG Lonnie Averkamp — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 22:25:15 -0400

My personal experience was that, while I was on Active Duty (1970- to 1978), I did not have access to
news and political information, and so I was not well-informed. The only national news on TV was from 6:00 to 6:30, and if you lived in the barracks, the day-room TV was NOT going to be tuned to that. Maybe from 10:00 to 10:30 PM, you might catch the local news, but that didn't really hit national politics, and I think that it was about closing-time for the day-room, anyway. When I got out of active duty, I became an absolute news addict: so much that the wife complains about how much news time is on our television.

And on that note, I truly believe that you are being foolish and irresponsible if you vote without being informed of the candidates and issues on the ballot. I feel personally ashamed when I look back at when I voted in my first election, didn't know the local or county representatives, and clicked on their name, because they sounded like "nice fellas". How absolutely STUPID.

Now, if I don't have full knowledge of the candidates (like Agriculture Secretary or a County Judge) or the issues, I leave those spaces blank. By voting without full knowledge, a person could be voting for someone who totally contradicts their own values.

Response by SP5 Skip Saurman made Oct 25 at 2024 11:22 PM

SP5 Skip Saurman — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 23:22:58 -0400

Well, I'm in New Mexico and we have a democratic governor and a democratic congress for some time now. Votes here are almost always decided by Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces (the three major cities in the state). So let me ask you, just HOW do you think the voting is going to happen here? Also, from what I'm hearing on the news, it looks like Pennsylvania will be deciding the vote for the rest of us anyway. Like it or not.

Response by SPC Thor Sacchi made Oct 25 at 2024 11:32 PM

SPC Thor Sacchi — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 23:32:46 -0400

Honestly I feel too many people vote. Too many young college kids. Too many people who pay attention only to a letter and not policies. Maybe it’s the attention to detail drilled in our heads for years on end. Civilians don’t have that. They would vote for a ham sandwich if it had the correct party letter next to it. So I feel maybe less is more. When I was a young soldier I had no idea who I was voting for and why. Focus on your missions. Not who your boss will be unless you’re over 25. Just my two cents

Response by SPC Kenneth Berry made Oct 26 at 2024 2:07 AM

SPC Kenneth Berry — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 02:07:12 -0400

I usually tell people that say they don't want to vote is that they are voting. If the person is good or bad in the office, they helped putting them there by not voting. Their vote would have either counted for or against, but by not voting they did not stop them from getting in.

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Oct 26 at 2024 6:17 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 06:17:05 -0400

Soldiers can't talk about religion or politics. They must be politically correct. If your Sargent finds out you voted for the other candidate, there is hell to pay, you will never get a promotion, and you will get KP. It's not worth the consequence's. Only 30% of churchgoers vote. Probably for the same reason. The Amish, the military, and society have to deal with shunning. As a Vietnam vet, I have 1st hand experience with shunning. I never stand up when someone says, Will the veterans please stand up. No way.

Response by SP5 Donna Barr made Oct 26 at 2024 8:21 AM

SP5 Donna Barr — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 08:21:06 -0400

Alright, I know our military is just an arm of the oil industry, but this is what happens when Americans don't step up and do their duty. We're VOTERS. Yeah, almost all the people who fought for MY vote wore long skirts and bonnets, but force-feeding through nose tubes just to have a say is something I won't forget or disrespect. Vote, dammit. It's why you're an American.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Oct 26 at 2024 8:45 AM

MAJ Montgomery Granger — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 08:45:42 -0400

All due respect, the command leadership should INSIST that every soldier vote. The act itself is a personal choice, but doing it should be required, and an order. Once faced with a ballot, the soldier has the ultimate choice what to do with it. If any soldier balks they should be reminded that they and their forebears are on the hook for everything up to and including their lives so that Americans retain the RIGHT to vote and enjoy the fruits of this great nation. They raised their right hands and gave an OATH to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in my book, that's impossible if you don't vote.

Response by 1SG Nestor Torres made Oct 26 at 2024 9:08 AM

1SG Nestor Torres — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 09:08:07 -0400

It's kind of hard to vote for persons one can't trust to follow high standards of ethical conduct.

Response by COL Patrick Briley made Oct 26 at 2024 9:37 AM

COL Patrick Briley — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 09:37:08 -0400

People that don't vote simply don't care about what occurs in the USA. Parents must teach their children to care for their families, communities, and country. As a servicemember, we owe it even more to vote because are in turn voting for our leadership of our Armies, Navies, and Air Force. Every vote matters and if one pays income tax, they should vote!

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Oct 26 at 2024 10:06 AM

MSG Thomas Currie — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 10:06:55 -0400

The army once had a long tradition of being non-political - at least while on active duty. I don't believe the army has any long traditions left, but perhaps that long history of avoiding politics still contributes to the alarming ignorance and apathy among service members.

Response by SP6 Bryan Gonterman made Oct 26 at 2024 11:05 AM

SP6 Bryan Gonterman — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 11:05:00 -0400

I was taught back in school a class called American History and Social Economics-- our teacher was adamant about the right to vote so he energized that throughout the class-- that if you have the right to vote and don't then you don't have the right to stomp on my rights by complaining. And it is blatant what the media has created for sheoples and their way of life. I was taught - it's not the person but the policies and actions of that person. "Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago" as one of our former presidents stated so clearly. Your choice-- your voice-- your vote--

Response by CPO Mark Westfall made Oct 28 at 2024 8:47 AM

CPO Mark Westfall — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 08:47:06 -0400

I would gather that it's primarily about the state of politics today. The current party structure puts everything in the hands of the extremists in BOTH parties. They are given a choice between between candidates that appeal only to those with hardcore political beliefs. I would encourage these service members to consider other options, like exploring other candidates and parties that come closer to their own beliefs.

Response by SSG Douglas Shaffer made Oct 28 at 2024 12:15 PM

SSG Douglas Shaffer — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:15:46 -0400

Many soldiers feel that their vote doesn't count in presidential elections, I get the point, sometimes I feel the same, however I tell them that okay to feel that way, but I tell them when they get home what Sheriff would they like to be pulled over by and which judge they would like to stand before, what auditor that they would like to assess their taxes. Who they want for senator or congressperson the people that really fight for their rights and benefits. That their vote for local offices really do count, it just so happens that someone running for president might just so happen to be on the ballot

Response by MSgt Karl Hawes made Oct 28 at 2024 4:34 PM

MSgt Karl Hawes — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:34:02 -0400

If you don't vote, then don't bitch about the government, because you are part of the problem.

Response by SSG Steve Knox made Oct 31 at 2024 7:21 PM

SSG Steve Knox — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 19:21:21 -0400

That is a good one. This is me...I enlisted into the military in July 1987. I voted up until then. The POTUS is Commander in Chief. As a warrior, I am obligated to follow "lawful orders" whether I agree with them or not. So, when the order came down to go to war, whether i agreed with it or not, we packed up our sh-t and went (which I was honored to do several times.) My point, whether I voted for a POTUS or not, I followed his lawful order. Now that I have retired and moved to another area, I guess I am just too lazy to re-register.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 1 at 2024 5:16 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 05:16:08 -0400

Easy choice. The condition of the US (military, economy, border, respect internationally, ..........) after 4 years with President Trump or after 4 years with Harris/Biden

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 1 at 2024 11:05 AM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 11:05:24 -0400

The way i figure it, express Your own opinion and vote each and every time. If You didn't even participate in the voting process then I have no interest in hearing You complain about the results.

Response by SPC Max Waller made Nov 22 at 2024 1:58 PM

SPC Max Waller — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:58:59 -0500

study the works of the two time recipient of the congressional medal of honor Smedley Darlington Butler (1881 - 1940) especially His 1935 pamphlet "war is a racket" and the world war 2 european combat veteran Howard Zinn (1920 - 2010) to understand as why many current military, ex military, non military lost confidence since the thriving evil people continue to thrive.