UNCLASSIFIED ROUTINE R 042055Z APR 18 FM CNO WASHINGTON DC TO NAVADMIN INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS NAVADMIN 087/18 PASS TO OFFICE CODES: FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS// MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/APR// SUBJ/VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICERS AND 2018 VOTING PROGRAM GUIDANCE// REF A/DOC/USCODE/TITLE 10// REF B/DOC/OPNAV/05FEB16// REF C/DOC/DOD/13SEP12// REF D/DOC/USCODE/TITLE 42// NARR/REF A is US Code Title 10 Section 1566, REF B is OPNAVINST 1742.1C, Navy Voting Assistance Program, REF C is DODI 1000.04, Federal Voting Assistance Program and REF D is US Code Title 42 Section 1973gg.// RMKS/1. 2018 marks the start of a mid-term election year with numerous federal, state and local elections throughout the year. Your right to vote is a freedom we defend and everyone is encouraged to exercise that right to ensure that their voice is heard. 2. Policy. In accordance with references (a) through (d), the Navy Voting Assistance Program will ensure that eligible voters receive information about registration and voting procedures and materials pertaining to scheduled elections, including dates, offices, constitutional amendments, and other ballot proposals. The following guidance pertains to the Navy Voting Assistance Program: a. To provide Sailors with a standardized point of contact for voting assistance, the Administrative Officer, whether military or Department of the Defense civilian employee (civil service or nonappropriated fund) will be designated in writing as the Voting Assistance Officer (VAO) at every command where a VAO is required. Pursuant to reference (b), every Echelon 2 command, region, installation, commander, commanding officer, and officer-in charge of a command with more than 25 permanently assigned personnel must appoint a VAO who is responsible for maintaining a voting assistance program. b. The Administrative Officer may delegate VAO duties, but remains responsible for command voting assistance program oversight. c. VAOs must comply with the duties and responsibilities outlined in references (a) and (b). 3. Commander, Navy Installations Command has updated every Region and Installation webpage and smartphone application under "Support Services" to add VAO location information as well as general links to key elements of the Federal Voting Assistance Program webpage www.fvap.gov. 4. Updates to policies and instructions will be forthcoming. Contact the Navy Voting Action Officers, LT Kristin Hope and LT Coulter Heavenrich, with questions at vote(at)navy.mil or (202)433-4000. Your leadership and engagement is critical to ensure our Sailors, civilians and their families have the opportunity to vote, regardless of their location or deployment status. 5. Released by Vice Admiral K. M. Donegan, Director, Navy Staff.// BT #0001 NNNN UNCLASSIFIED//