IVAO vs UVAO

There are Installation VAOs and Unit VAOs. IVAOs are 

appointed by Installation COs and typically man the 

Installation Voter Assistance Office. Unit VAOs provide 

voting assistance within a Unit to further assist the 

Installation VAO.

As a VAO, You Are 

Responsible For...

• Completing FVAP training before being 

officially assigned. 

• Submission of quarterly metrics on 

FVAP’s portal.

• Being present in your command.

• Passing your command IG inspections 

by maintaining an electronic or 

hardcopy continuity folder.

Designation Letter

You are required to be designated in writing 

by your CO/OIC. A sample letter can be 

found in the Voting Toolkit at www.fvap. What is a continuity folder? gov/vao/continuity. 

Keeping a continuity folder ensures you, your assistant, your 

organization, and your successor understand the role and 

responsibilities of a VAO. It should provide basic details on 

the absentee voting procedures and a quick orientation of 

VAO responsibilities, and can be in the form of a notebook, 

file folder, or an online community folder. The folder should 

contain:

– Letter of designation

– Training certificate 

– Records of command training 

– DoDI 1000.04

– Voting emails to your command

– Service guidance 

– Your Service Voting Action Plan

Evaluations 

VAOs are required to have their performance 

assessed in an official military evaluation report. 

October 2019

Voting Assistance 

Officer (VAO)

Overview of VAO Responsibilities

Wherever U.S. citizens go, 

FVAP ensures their voices are heard. 

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure 

Service members, their eligible family members and overseas 

citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and 

resources to successfully do so – from anywhere in the world.

Voting Alerts 

Sign up for voter alerts at FVAP.gov. 

FVAP will send relevant information about 

elections, workshop schedules, events, etc.
FVAP.gov 800-438-VOTE (8683) vote@fvap.gov

VISIT CALL EMAIL

CONNECT WITH US

Search for FVAP

Monday-Friday. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET | Go to FVAP.gov and click on “contact” to find where to send your election materials. Media inquiries: media@fvap.gov

DSN: 425-1584

Action Plans 

Review your Service Voting Action Plan and 

FVAP’s Voting Action Plan. These are based 

on DoD Instruction 1000.04. Read through 

the plans and keep a copy for reference 

in your continuity folder. Examples can be 

found at FVAP.gov.

October 2019

Submitting Metrics

You are required to log on and submit metrics in your 

FVAP portal account. Log in, find the metrics tab, fill in 

the blocks, and click save to submit your report. Submit 

metrics even if you haven’t assisted anyone, so that 

data records will be correct. The portal allows for rolling 

submissions, so you can update metrics whenever you 

provide voting assistance. Submit metrics according to 

your Service guidance.

Command Training 

You are required to administer annual 

voting training and keep records of those 

trained in your continuity folder. The 

method of training is up to you, but you 

can find slide decks and training materials 

at FVAP.gov.

FVAP Account and Metrics

VAOs are required to maintain an account in the FVAP portal 

and submit metrics reports. (Check your Service guidance for 

frequency.) Your Service Voting Action Officer (SVAO) and 

FVAP track metrics for use in policy and resource decisions. 

To register for an account:

1. Go to FVAP.gov, scroll down and locate “Admin 

Portal” on the very bottom of the screen.

2. Accept the privacy terms and select “Register for 

an Account.”

3. Select your Service. In the “Service Unit” block, 

select your unit from the list of options. If you 

cannot locate your unit, type it in as it should 

appear, and proceed with registration.

4. Select the account type that applies to you.

5. If you have a .gov or .mil email address and 

your unit is in the selection list, your account 

will automatically be approved. If not, then your 

SVAO will need to approve your request.

Refreshing Your Program 

Complete your training and become 

familiar with FVAP.gov. This is your primary 

resource for information, training, and 

voting assistance tools. This includes 

downloadable items for your command, 

such as posters, brochures, and forms. 

Make sure to check back often since FVAP 

updates outreach materials several times 

every election cycle.