Voting Assistance Officers
NOTE: You will need to access training from a non-.mil computer to get the certificate when complete. Click – HERE to get the training you need.
Voting Assistance Officers (VAOs) ensure that citizens covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) understand their voting rights and how to register and vote absentee and provide accurate nonpartisan voting information and assistance. VAOs may be members of the Uniformed Services, civilians, or members of overseas U.S. citizen organizations.
Are you a new VAO? Don’t worry, it is very manageable and won’t take too much time. Everything you will need can be found in this section of the website. Highlights are seen below:
UOCAVA Voting Process
Learn the multi-step process for how UOCAVA voters request and cast absentee ballots.
Training
Training is available online and in-person during even numbered years.
Voting Assistance Guide
The Guide is a compilation of State-specific rules, processes, election dates and deadlines to assist military and overseas voters in successfully registering to vote and casting a ballot.
Directives and Guidance
These reference materials outline the official requirements and guidelines for Voting Assistance Officers when performing their duties.
Continuity Folder
This folder is used for your reference and serves as a resource for your successor and should be available for inspection.
Voting Emphasis Weeks
FVAP works with you to promote voter registration and absentee voting by conducting Voting Emphasis Weeks.
Voting Alerts
Our office will send you pertinent information about elections, release of workshop schedules, events, etc.
Service Voting Action Officers
Each Military Service and the Department of State has assigned a Service Voting Action Officer who is the voting program manager for that Service or Department.
Military Recruiter Information
All personnel assigned to duty at Recruiting Offices for the Armed Forces must be trained as Voting Assistance Officers and capable of providing voter registration services.