WASHINGTON, DC — In recognition of Military Appreciation Month 2026, the Commissioners of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) issued a joint statement honoring our service members.
“This year, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, which would not be possible without our nation’s servicemen and women. It is because of their sacrifices that this country remains a beacon of democracy to the world,” said EAC Chairman Thomas Hicks, Vice Chair Christy McCormick, and Commissioner Ben Hovland.
“As the midterm elections continue, it is essential that our military members understand when, where, and how to vote, especially for those currently serving or who will be serving overseas. Local and state election offices are their best resources for voting information, even on the front lines. Three-quarters of these voters voted by mail in the 2024 general election, so it is critical that they understand the process and state deadlines where they are casting a ballot.
To those who no longer serve our country in uniform, we now ask you to serve your community at the polls. Through the agency’s partnership with Vet the Vote, we have been able to thank hundreds of veterans who have also served as election workers and to encourage others to sign up and serve their community in this way. We commend our active-duty service members and veterans for your leadership and commitment to this great nation as we celebrate 250 years.”
During the 2024 general election, about 542,000 uniformed service members were registered to vote while stationed overseas. According to the EAC’s Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS) Comprehensive Report, postal mail was the most common method of ballot return, with 75% of service members using it.
Military members and their families serving abroad are protected under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This requires states and territories to allow these citizens to register and vote in federal elections using absentee voting procedures.
Resources for military voters and their families and election officials who support them are available at eac.gov/uocava or fvap.gov.