Changes released for Voter Assistance Program Published Oct. 23, 2018 By Kendra Williams 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- The Secretary of the Air Force issued new guidance to Air Force Instruction 36-3107 in August implementing changes that re-align Installation Voting Assistance office responsibilities, update Air Force Personnel Center responsibilities, and clarify Unit Voting Assistance Officer responsibilities. Units with over 25 personnel are required to have a UVAO and larger units will be required to have one UVAO for every 50 members. The Federal Voting Assistance Program and the Installation Voting Assistance office help ensure Airmen and their eligible family members have the tools and resources necessary to exercise their right to vote. The IVA office is available to assist with voting dates, voting locations, obtaining absentee ballots, and a host of other services to ensure members are mission ready and not bogged down with undue stress related to voting. “As Congress and the courts have repeatedly affirmed, voting is a citizen’s most fundamental right,” said Kevin Dowell, Offutt’s primary Installation Voting Assistance Officer. Members of the military, their families and U.S. citizens living abroad face unique challenges to participate in U.S. elections, but the IVA office wants to ensure they have the chance to vote wherever they are in the world. “Your IVA office is here to help you exercise the very right you protect - your right to vote,” said Randy Norwood, Offutt’s alternate IVAO. Each government department is required to distribute balloting materials and develop a program of information and education for all covered employees and family members. Offutt’s IVA office provides this information and is located in the Airmen and Family Readiness Center in building 323. They have five touch points of disseminating information to personnel: when a member deploys, changes station, changes address, separates or retires. “If you have access to us, we can help you,” Norwood said.