CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
"Be Smart, Do Your Part, Vote," is the campaign slogan for this year's Department of Defense voting program.
The South Carolina Republican Presidential Primary was held Jan. 9, and the Democratic Presidential Primary is scheduled for Jan. 26.
This election year is an important year politically; the 2008 elections have the potential to make history. The country could possibly elect its first African American President or its first female President.
Most importantly, in the forefront of every service member's mind, is what changes the elections will bring to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
There are more than 3,755 active duty personnel assigned to Charleston AFB and the 2008 elections will affect every Airman, civilian and contractor who works on this base.
For Airmen or DOD personnel who are not currently registered to vote, that's okay, there is still time to register. It is important to remember each state has its own voting registration deadline.
With only 284 days left until the Nov. 4 general election, Airmen can visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program's Web site at www.fvap.gov to determine their home of record's registration deadline.
The DOD voting program is designed to help those who need to register to vote, complete their absentee ballots or receive state-by-state instructions.
The National Voter Registration Act states that it is every American citizen's fundamental right to vote.
Voting doesn't have to be a frightening or nerve-wracking experience. If you don't understand some of the current issues at hand or you don't feel you know enough about the candidates themselves, there are Web sites out there like the Declare Yourself Web site that can help.
The Declare Yourself Web site (www.declareyourself.com) is set up to answer any questions someone might have about the voting process, registration deadlines and it also provides further information about each of the candidates and what they stand for.
Each Charleston AFB squadron has a designated unit voting representative to assist Airmen and civilians with primary, run-off, special and general elections questions or concerns; not only during a major election year, but all year long.
Base squadron voting representatives will be announced as soon as they have been confirmed.
The wing voting representative is Maj. Karen Berkeley, 437th Medical Group, and the alternate voting wing representative is Capt. Carmel Terrell, 437th Medical Group.
Just remember, it's never too late to make a difference. So what are you waiting for? Be smart, do your part and vote!