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Shaw's UVAOs provide support

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 2008 presidential election is right around the corner and Shaw's unit voting assistance officers are ready to help military members cast their vote.

Armed Forces Voters Week is from Aug. 31 to Sept. 6. Shaw unit voting assistance officers are setting up booths from Sept. 2 -5 to provide voting assistance.

"We are going to set up tables at the Base Exchange and Military Personnel Flight, manned by unit voting assistance officers, to register eligible military and dependents for absentee voting," said Mr. John Menger, Shaw installation voting officer.


"If a person is unhappy with the way their town, city, state, or nation is being governed, voting can make the difference. If you make a choice not to vote, you'll never have a voice," Mr. Menger said. "Voters should never be lulled into thinking their one vote doesn't have impact."

In fact, one vote has changed how history's been made.

According to the Vermont Secretary of State Web site, in 1844, Freeman Clark, a farmer, was seriously ill and needed his son to carry him to the polls to vote for Indiana Sen.-candidate, David Kelso. The farmer died soon after and Kelso was elected by one vote. Later, the Indiana Senate elected Edward Hannigan for U.S. Senate by one vote, which was cast by Kelso.

Nearly one year later, another one-vote margin made Texas the 28th state. The vote was cast by U.S. Sen. Hannigan.

When the Mexican Army invaded Texas, one vote decided on war with Mexico. Consequently, the U.S. victory added five states: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and California.

"Voting is a civic duty for American citizens," Menger said. "The freedom to choose who represents your ideas and the direction of government action is one of the primary foundations making our country so great."

History has shown how voting can impact the U.S.

"Our country is a democracy and in order to continue a true democracy, citizens need to vote," Mr. Menger said. "Military members have defended this right for many years and should make their voices heard as much as, if not more, because of what's at stake for them in their profession."

Voting is based on your state and county of residence. Shaw voters should contact their unit voting assistance officers to obtain the proper forms to register to vote and the address in which to submit the form. A list of UVAOs can be obtained on the Shaw Intranet Web site.

Voters should register at least 60 days prior to any election to ensure they receive their absentee in time for their vote to be returned and counted, Mr. Menger said.

The next national general election day is Nov. 4, 2008. Any federal voting assistance and news can be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site. Airmen can check state voting rules there as well.

"America is facing new and difficult challenges in the world today," Mr. Menger said. "Your single vote has never been more important in the shaping of America's future. Use your voice and make a choice...vote in this year's election."