Voter registration was held at the Liberty Northwest Center and Admiral Nimitz Hall dining facility on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island as part of Armed Forces Voting Week, Sept. 2-5.

Armed Forces Voting Week is an event that targets service members, encouraging them to register and vote. The week, Aug. 31 through Sept. 7, is regarded as one of last chances for personnel to get their registrations and absentee ballot requests completed in time for the general election in November.

“We’re here to support and encourage Sailors to register to vote if they want to; it’s not a requirement, but their right to do so,” said Lt. Laura Reeves, NAS Whidbey Island voting assistance officer. “I’m surprised to see all the ages and ranks who haven’t registered not just new 18-year-old Sailors, but senior chiefs, master chiefs, lieutenants. But, it’s good they’re doing it now.”

The target audience for the event was Sailors 18-25 years of age since this age group statistically has a lower participation rate in elections.

“Hopefully these Sailors realize that their vote still counts. You’re an American fighting for the American services, you might as well vote to have your say over what the new commander-in-chief has in store for your future,” said Reeves.

Sailors appreciated the event giving them the opportunity to make changes to their voter registration information.

“I find the convenience of having these volunteers here very helpful because, due to my active duty military status, I carry another state’s driver’s license, not a Washington state license, which prevented me from registering on line,” said Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW) Kevin Arnold, of Naval Air Technical Data and Engineering Services Command, Det. Northwest.

The general feeling of those who registered was that they were doing their part in shaping the future of the country and encouraged others to do the same.

“It’s every citizen’s responsibility to take an active part in who our political leadership is in our country,” said Arnold. “Look at both sides of the issues that are important to you, do your own research, and make your decision on what you find out.”