Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that all U.S. military personnel will receive a day off in October to participate in the 2026 midterm elections. The stand-down order, which must be implemented by Oct. 15, will become a recurring policy in even-numbered election years, according to a memo released by the Pentagon.
In a video posted on X, Hegseth framed the move as part of a renewed commitment to an "apolitical" Pentagon "with all the right priorities." He stressed that the Trump administration is "upholding things that are central to the defense of our republic and our American way of life."
Hegseth acknowledged that service members have historically faced significant hurdles when trying to vote, particularly those stationed far from their home states. "In the past, voting for our men and women in uniform has been time-consuming and complex," he said. "They face unnecessary, difficult ways of obtaining, completing and returning absentee ballots while serving far from home."
The stand-down day will be used for troops to complete and submit Federal Post Card Applications (FPCA) if they choose to vote by absentee ballot. The directive follows a call last week from Hegseth urging service members and their families to register for the 2026 midterms, noting that roughly 300,000 troops did not register to vote in the previous election cycle.
Hegseth emphasized that the Pentagon is not instructing troops on which candidates to support. "We're not telling you who to vote for, but we will give you every opportunity to do so," he said. "It's then up to you to exercise your right as an American to choose your elected leaders."
Data from the Federal Voting Assistance Program shows that about two-thirds of active-duty military members were registered for the 2024 election, a 3-point drop from 2020. The new policy aims to reverse that trend by removing logistical barriers.
Hegseth's announcement comes amid broader changes at the Pentagon, including his recent push to accelerate anti-drone systems and plans to cut senior officer ranks. The voting initiative, however, is being billed as a nonpartisan effort to ensure that those who defend the nation can also participate in its democracy.
"Voting is the way our founding fathers envisioned every citizen's ability to participate in government," Hegseth said. "We're going to take the time to ensure that you can vote and that your voice is heard."
