Voting Assistance Office opens doors in preparation for local elections Published June 13, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Travis Edwards 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The Ramstein Voting Assistance Office here has recently opened its doors to help assist United States servicemembers and civilians living in the local area to register for elections. Those interested and needing assistance can walk into the VAO located inside the finance building inside the same office as satellite housing. "This program is for all overseas locations and allows us to enable military members, spouses and civilians to vote in their local and national elections," said Master Sgt. Yann Martin, a Ramstein voting assistance officer. According to Sergeant Martin, every unit should have a voting assistance program and if not, to contact the installation voting assistance office to get it started. "The next presidential election is November 2012," said Sergeant Martin. "We recommend you check out www.fvap.gov for the latest on election dates. That website also has links to each state's election website where you can find information on local and state elections." According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program website, users should register at least three months prior to any election to ensure they receive a ballot in time to vote and return it to be counted. "Your vote is your voice. You can write 100 letters to your elected officials but if you aren't a registered voter your words will not carry nearly as much weight," said Sergeant Martin. The VAO is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. except on German and American federal holidays. To set up an appointment with the VAO or to get more information about starting a voting assistance program, contact the VAO at vote@ramstein.af.mil or call them at 480-VOTE (8683). To find out more information about the program, visit www.FVAP.gov.