Hegseth Urges Troops to Vote Amid 300,000 Unregistered in 2024
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth calls on service members to register and vote in midterms, citing 300,000 unregistered troops.
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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has called on U.S. service members and their families to register and vote in the upcoming midterm elections, highlighting a significant gap in voter participation among the military. In a video posted on X, Hegseth revealed that approximately 300,000 service members were not registered to vote in 2024, a number he compared to the ballots cast in major cities like Detroit, Boston, Milwaukee, and Seattle.
Hegseth emphasized the importance of voting as a fundamental right, stating, “The War Department exists to protect our nation and her freedoms. That includes the freedom to decide who leads us—and the right to vote.” He directed all warriors, spouses, and eligible family members to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov, where they can register to vote and request a ballot.
According to The Hill, about 67 percent of active-duty members were registered in 2024, a three-point decline from 2020. Roughly 71 percent of the 1.3 million active-duty force is eligible for special absentee protections due to being stationed away from home. This represents a significant number of Americans who serve in the military and may be unable to participate in the election that determines whether they are sent to war.
Hegseth urged commanders to ensure that service members are informed about the voting process, stating, “You’re not telling them who to vote for. You’re just telling them to vote.” He also highlighted his own experience as a voting assistance officer, noting that he once helped register every member of his platoon and company to vote.
He further explained that service members can use a standardized federal postcard to register and request a ballot. For those deployed overseas and facing delayed ballots, the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot is available. Hegseth emphasized that these processes are protected by law and straightforward to use.
In closing, Hegseth urged all service members, their spouses, and eligible family members to register and vote, stating, “Keep our nation the land of the free and the home of the brave. Get registered and vote.” He also shared a link to register and request a ballot, encouraging immediate action.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
