Hegseth orders military ‘stand-down’ so troops can cast ballots in midterms: ‘We’re not telling you who to vote for’

Hegseth orders military ‘stand-down’ so troops can cast ballots in midterms: ‘We’re not telling you who to vote for’ In a recent poll, 57 percent of likely military voters said they would support a Republican candidate over a Democrat - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Friday that he is ordering a one-day military stand-down to give U.S. service members time to vote in the midterm elections. In a video posted on social media, Hegseth said the stand-down would be held in October during election years. This year’s day off will take place on or before October 15. A stand-down is a temporary interruption or restriction of normal operations, often used to address safety, readiness or significant events. “We’re doing this because, in the past, voting for our men and women in uniform has been time-consuming and complex as many warriors reside outside of their home state,” Hegseth said. “They face unnecessary difficult ways of obtaining, completing and returning absentee ballots while serving far from home.” “You are the best citizens of our country,” Hegseth added, addressing troops. “And therefore you should have every opportunity to exercise your right to vote. So take that day to fill out your absentee ballot, help your family members do the same, or go to the polling place yourself.” Department-wide stand-downs are relatively uncommon. Hegseth pointed to one ordered by his predecessor in the Biden administration. About a month after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a stand-down to “discuss the problem of extremism in the ranks.” Hegseth, a former Fox News host, said his new directive was not partisan. “We’re not telling you who to vote for,” he said. “But we will give you every opportunity to do so.” The U.S. military, which includes about 2.1 million uniformed service members, has tended to lean more Republican than Democratic, surveys suggest. In a March Rasmussen poll, 57 percent of likely military voters said they would support the Republican candidate if congressional elections were held that day, compared with 35 percent who said they would back the Democratic candidate. Earlier this month, Hegseth urged service members to register to vote and cast their ballots before the midterms. The message endorsed mail-in voting even as the Trump administration has repeatedly sought to restrict that option. Hegseth also has campaigned for Republican candidates in Kentucky and Iowa ahead of the midterms, which are about a month away. Multiple recent polls suggest the midterms, which historically have seen the president’s party lose congressional seats, could bring substantial losses for Republicans. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments