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Hegseth says troops will get a day off to vote in the midterms
USA Today • • nation
Key Points:
- Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth ordered a one-day military stand down within the next two weeks to allow U.S. service members time to vote in the November midterm elections, emphasizing the importance of voting without endorsing any candidate.
- Starting in 2026, an annual one-day stand down every October in election years will be authorized to facilitate voting, addressing past challenges service members faced with the voting process.
- The stand down directive mandates that all voting assistance activities remain strictly nonpartisan, despite Hegseth’s recent involvement in Republican campaign events and political activities.
- Hegseth has publicly criticized previous military leadership and cultural initiatives, advocating for a shift toward a "warrior ethos" and the elimination of diversity programs and identity-focused trainings within the military.
- This effort to encourage voting among troops comes amid a politically charged environment, with Hegseth’s actions drawing scrutiny, including impeachment articles introduced against him by Rep. Thomas Massie over military actions in Iran.
