Public comment periods ensure government bodies receive adequate input from citizens, interested parties and even other governmental bodies when they look to change or promulgate rules and regulations. As artificial intelligence gains in popularity, leaders have the opportunity to promote new technology while also protecting constituents.
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By Morgan Thomas, Policy Associate
Members of the United States Armed Forces have access to a multitude of benefits. The Veterans Benefits Administration provides VA benefits under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, some of which include retirement benefits, disability compensation, educational assistance and health care. Whether you are Active Duty or a member of the reserve component, a service member may qualify for one or more of these VA benefits.
One of the main attractions to a career in the military is the retirement benefits. A federal retirement in the military grants you access to retirement pay, base Commissaries, Base Exchange and retired health care plans such as Tricare Prime and Tricare for Life. Any service member may retire with federal retirement benefits after completing a minimum of 20 years of Total Active Federal Military Service (TAFMS), which is used to calculate how much qualifying active-duty time a service member has accrued. An active-duty pension begins immediately after a service member retires. There are several exceptions to the 20-year rule, of which includes disability retirements or service members who qualify for early retirement under the Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERRA).
Members of the reserves and National Guard may also retire after 20 years of service. The reserve component uses a point system under the Reserve Retirement System to calculate their TAFMS time. However, a reserve pension does not typically begin until a retired service member turns 60, with the exception of prior active-duty military service.
Additionally, active-duty service members and members of the reserve component can contribute to their retirement without completing a 20-year service time commitment through the Blended Retirement System (BRS). The BRS was first introduced as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 and combines the traditional military pension plan with a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). TSP is a retirement savings plan for service members that allows them to make contributions throughout their service even if they decide not to serve for 20 years. If an individual chooses, a TSP can be rolled into another 401(k) after separating from the military. Alternatively, a service member may leave their funds in their TSP account until they are ready to retire. Service members enlisted in the armed forces after January 1, 2018, were automatically enrolled in the TSP program.
In addition to retirement benefits, one of the main attractions to a career in the armed forces is VA education benefits. Some of the most notable VA education benefits are the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve and the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. Each of these education benefits offers its own unique coverage of tuition, fees, a book stipend, housing stipend, or a combination of one or more. Currently, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is the only education program that can be or dependent once certain qualifications by the service member have been met. Each education benefit has its own unique set of requirements based on a member’s service component.
VA education benefits are available to active-duty service members, the National Guard and the reserves with qualifying active-duty service time. In addition to VA education benefits, National Guard members may receive up to 100% state tuition assistance for attending specific schools within a state or may be eligible for additional state education benefits.
Many service members may obtain a service-related injury while serving on active duty. Disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free benefit that is paid to Veterans who receive at least a 10% disability rating due to injuries or diseases that were incurred or aggravated while serving on active duty or active-duty training. A service member may also receive disability compensation for post-service disabilities that appear later but result from their time in service.
Members of the National Guard and the reserves may also receive VA disability compensation so long as their service-connected disability was incurred while serving on federally qualifying active-duty orders. A Guardsman may be eligible to receive state disability compensation for injuries incurred while not serving on federal orders.
Active – duty service members, Guardsmen, reservists, retirees and their dependents – and in some cases former spouses – are eligible to enroll in a health care program called TRICARE provides access to both civilian healthcare networks and the Military Health System (MHS), which is comprised of Department of Defense military hospitals and clinics worldwide. The program provides coverage access through authorized civilian health network providers based on region and non-authorized providers, depending on which TRICARE health plan an eligible service member has. TRICARE also offers the TRICARE Overseas Program for active – duty service members and their eligible family members who are located in geographical areas outside of the U.S.
There are also additional VA healthcare benefits aside from TRICARE such as the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). TRICARE, PCAFC, CHAMPVA and other VA healthcare programs are available to eligible service members and their families in both the active duty and reserve components.
The VA also offers additional benefits such as VA home loans and life insurance, as well as benefits specific to . All VA benefit programs have their own unique eligibility requirements for active-duty service members and members of the reserve component.
Members of the National Guard may be eligible to receive some or all VA benefits based on qualifying active-duty service. For VA benefits, federal active-duty service is determined by the length of full-time active-duty service on Title 10 or Title 32 orders (link to Military 101: Orders). It is important to note that a service member may not receive access to one or more VA benefits if they receive a from any branch of service.
For more information on benefits eligibility, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits webpage.
In 2022, the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education was among the inaugural selections of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative. Kentucky’s commitment to high-quality apprenticeship programs is setting a national example, with the state recognized for its innovative Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky (TRACK) initiative and Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
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By Cameron Sweeney, O’Connor Scholar
Having accurate and up-to-date voter registration lists is crucial to running elections in the United States, and with the ever-changing status of voters across the country, doing so is no easy task. More than 40 million Americans change their addresses every year. People move, become eligible to vote or lose their voting eligibility every day. With every change that occurs, election officials seek to keep their voter rolls up to date. Accurate voter rolls help reduce voting lines, decrease the number of provisional ballots cast and help ensure that only eligible electors can cast a ballot. The process of updating voter rolls is known as voter list maintenance, two major pieces of federal legislation, the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002, set the regulatory framework for how this system works.
Federal Legislation and Voter List Maintenance
The National Voter Registration Act, or NVRA, limits when list maintenance verification activities can happen and specifies the reasons a state may remove a voter from the roles. Some reasons for removal include a felony conviction, mental incapacity, the voter’s request or because a voter no longer lives in the jurisdiction. The NVRA prohibited states from removing a voter from the registration rolls solely for failing to vote in an election. The law broaden opportunities for voter registration, requiring states to offer voter registration at driver’s license bureaus and other state agencies.
The Help America Vote Act, or HAVA, requires states to develop a digitized list for voter registration and coordinate with correctional and other state departments to maintain that list. HAVA also modified the NVRA, allowing states to remove voters who fail to vote in two consecutive general elections for federal office (this equates to approximately 4 years) and those who fail to respond to an address confirmation mailer.
Together, these two pieces of legislation only offer a framework for states, which gives them freedom to govern the voter list maintenance process. As a result, many nuances and difficulties arise as election officials update their voter rolls, especially when people move within a state and when states allow for same-day registration.
Voter List Maintenance Procedures Across the States
In states with same-day registration, such as Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Wisconsin and Wyoming, voter rolls are actively changing as elections are being held. In other states, such as Indiana, Missouri and Virginia, citizens are allowed to register and vote at a new precinct on election day when they move residences within a state so long as they’re already registered to vote in that state. In states where registration is continuously updated, it can be near impossible to maintain a completely accurate voter roll. According to Remi Garza, the elections administrator of Cameron County, Texas, voter list maintenance is crucial and constant.
“Voter list maintenance is extremely important and is a perpetual process,” said Garza. “The belief that it can ever be finished is false. As soon as election officials update the rolls, someone has moved, someone has died, or someone new registers to vote.”
States differ in their approach to removing voters from rolls due to inactivity. While in most states, a lack of voting-related activity does not trigger removal from the rolls, this is not universal. In Idaho, Minnesota and New Hampshire, among others, the removal process is automatically triggered after four years of inactivity. In Wyoming, the removal process starts after failing to vote in just one general election. For most of these states, a non-voter is sent a mailer to confirm their intention to remain an active voter. Failure to respond to this notice may cause their voter registration to be purged.
While some states share similarities, the process of voter list maintenance varies widely from state to state, as does the entity in charge of voter list maintenance s. Some states only authorize local election officials to add and remove names from voter lists, while others solely rely upon state-level officials. Several states utilize a mix of both local and state-level officials. According to the Election Administration and Voting Survey, 35 states, including California, Missouri, Nevada and New Mexico, only authorize local election officials to add and remove names from voter lists. In Alaska, Georgia Massachusetts and other states, voter list maintenance is conducted solely at the state level. Hybrid systems are used in 13 states, including Arizona, Florida, Idaho and Maine.
Inter-State Cooperation
Lack of information sharing across states can further complicate voter list maintenance procedures. States do not automatically share or cross-check voter registration information with one another, and no federal legislation requires interstate cooperation. Election Registration Information Center (ERIC) is a nonprofit made up of 24 states and the District of Columbia aimed at addressing this gap by allowing states to compare voter list data, data on address changes and death records to help keep voter rolls more accurate and up to date. Many states also utilize the U.S. Postal Service’s National Change of Address data and death records from the Social Security Administration to maintain voter lists.
When it comes to removing the deceased from voter rolls, tracking felony convictions (which disqualifies a person from voting in some states), identifying potential noncitizens for voter registration list maintenance and tracking interstate address changes, each state has a different approach and methodology for trying to keep up with the constantly changing status of voters across the country. While these differing approaches can spur fierce debates, voter list maintenance remains a crucial role in the running of secure and efficient elections.
15th MEU Marines hit sand running in Kuwait [Image 3 of 5] KUWAIT 08.17.2015 Photo by Cpl. Elize McKelvey 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit
By Joe Paul, Policy Analyst
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces operating under the Department of the Navy. Overall, the Marine’s mission is to provide power projection from the sea by utilizing the U.S. Navy’s resources to rapidly deliver multi-skilled forces and strategies. The Marine Corps works with the Navy, Army, Air Force and other branches. The Marine Corps is known for its focus on expeditionary warfare and the ability to quickly respond to crises around the world. The mission of the Marine Corps can be summarized by its motto: “Semper Fidelis,” meaning “Always Faithful.”
The Marines were formed on Nov. 10, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. Originally established as the Continental Marines to serve aboard naval vessels, the Marines have since evolved into a versatile and elite fighting force. Throughout their history, the Marines engaged in numerous conflicts and operations, playing a pivotal role in defending the nation’s interests at home and abroad, including raids on the Bahamas and Nova Scotia during the Revolutionary War and alongside French troops in the war against the Barbary States.
The Marine Corps was instrumental in the Mexican-American War, including the battle of Chapultepec which inspired the Marine Corps Hymn “The Halls of Montezuma.” During the Mexican-American War, the Marines earned the name “leatherneck” for the thick leather collars they wore to ward off saber blows.
In World War I, Marines fought in significant battles like Belleau Wood in France, earning them the nickname “Devil Dogs” from German forces. In later conflicts Marines continued to be known for their success in harsh conditions. This includes the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in World War II, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during and in major battles like Hue City and Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War.
After the Vietnam war, the Marines adapted and modernized to the changing military landscape by participating in peacekeeping missions and the Gulf War of 1990-1991. Following 9/11, the Marines conducted combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with training local security forces.
Infantry: As the backbone of the Marines, infantry units engage enemy forces on the ground. They may operate in various physical environments. Marines are trained and equipped for ground combat operations, including riflemen, machine gunners, mortarmen and anti-tank missilemen.
Aviation: The Marines operate a wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets, helicopters, transport planes and unmanned aerial vehicles. Aviation units provide close air support, transport, reconnaissance and other services to support ground forces. Aviation roles include pilots, aircrew, maintenance personnel and support staff.
Logistics: Logistics units supply and sustain Marine Corps operations around the world. This includes transportation, supply chain management, maintenance and other logistical support functions. These units provide supplies, transportation, maintenance and other logistical support to units in the field.
Armor and Artillery: The Marines’ armor and artillery units provide firepower and support to ground forces. This includes tanks, artillery guns and other heavy weapons systems used to suppress enemy positions. The unit also provides fire support to infantry units including cannons, rockets and missiles.
Special Operations: The Marines have special operations forces, including Marine Raiders and Force Reconnaissance units, which are trained to conduct missions including direct action, special reconnaissance and unconventional warfare. This includes Marines trained in gathering, analyzing and disseminating intelligence to support decision-making.
Other units include engineering and communications. Overall, the Marines are a versatile force capable of operating in diverse environments and conducting a wide range of missions to protect and advance national interests.
The command structure of the Marines is like the Army’s, with teams, squadrons, platoons, company, battalions, regiments and divisions. Generally, it follows the “rule of three,” meaning there are three lower units within each of the next larger units. Teams consist of three Marines with a corporal as team leader. A squad consists of nine Marines with a sergeant as the squad lead. Platoons consist of 27 Marines with a lieutenant in command. Divisions consist of 6,561 Marines and are commanded by a major general.
Again, the rank structure of the Marine Corps mirrors the Army’s as they both have enlisted personnel and commissioned officers. Enlisted ranks range from private to sergeant, while officer ranks range from second lieutenant to general. Marine Corps ranks also include the unique title of “marine gunner,” which is a warrant officer ran
Private (E-1)
Private First Class (E-2)
Lance Corporal (E-3)
Corporal (E-4)
Sergeant (E-5)
Staff Sergeant (E-6)
Gunnery Sergeant (E-7)
Master Sergeant (E-8)
First Sergeant (E-8)
Sergeant Major (E-9)
Second Lieutenant (O-1)
First Lieutenant (O-2)
Captain (O-3)
Major (O-4)
Lieutenant Colonel (O-5)
Colonel (O-6)
Brigadier General (O-7)
Major General (O-8)
Lieutenant General (O-9)
General (O-10)
The highest-ranking enlisted member of the Marine Corps is sergeant major. The highest-ranking officer is the commandant of the Marine Corps. Marines can also hold rank as a warrant officer in specialties from W-1 through W-5. Warrant officers are officer-level technical specialists in a particular field that provide leadership, training and extensive knowledge to the Marines in their occupational specialty. Five-star generals only exist during times of war.
The Marines are a rapid-response force capable of a wide range of military operations. It’s website states “the mastery of the (sic) evolution in warfare is what allows (the Marines) to punch above their weight class. It is what keeps the U.S. Marine Corps, a small but effectively lethal service, respected by our allies and feared by enemies around the globe.”
The primary, yet evolving roles of the Marines include:
For administrative purposes, The Marines are divided into four groups:
"Marines, war is evolving – but that is nothing new. We evolve our equipment, training, and tactics to stay ahead of our adversaries. This evolution may change the shape of our formations or the technology we fight with, but it will never change the fundamental nature of our Marine Corps, nor the significance of each Marine. We have adapted alongside the changing character of war for centuries – we are still on top, and we will stay there."
The Council of State Governments (CSG), alongside the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Association of Counties, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, signed a joint letter urging Congress to reauthorize the Second Chance Act (SCA). This bipartisan legislation strengthens and expands reentry programs, offering essential services like career training, housing, childcare, and treatment for individuals with behavioral health and substance use disorders.
In the letter, House and Senate judiciary committee leaders are encouraged to move forward with this vital legislation that empowers individuals, families and communities with resources to support the successful reintegration of those reentering society after incarceration.
The reauthorization legislation was introduced in the Senate on June 5 (S. 4477), led by Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Cory Booker, John Cornyn, Dick Durbin, Thom Tillis, Peter Welch, Kevin Cramer, and Amy Klobuchar. It was introduced in the House in April (H.R. 8028) by Representatives Carol Miller, Danny Davis, Kelly Armstrong, Sheila Jackson Lee, Bruce Westerman, Bobby Scott, Jerry Nadler, Mike Turner and Darin LaHood.
“The Second Chance Reauthorization Act represents a critical investment in our communities, empowering states and local governments to create pathways to rehabilitation and reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. It enables states to implement innovative programs that reduce recidivism rates and promote successful transitions, ultimately benefiting public safety.”
— Jay Nelson, National Director of Federal Affairs, The Council of State Governments
Since its inception in 2008, the Second Chance Act has supported reentry services for over 442,000 individuals. With more than 600,000 individuals returning home from prison each year, along with countless others exiting local jails, SCA programs are crucial in promoting public safety and reducing recidivism.
Reauthorizing the Second Chance Act will sustain essential programs to:
For more details on the Second Chance Reauthorization Act, visit here.
By Morgan Thomas, Policy Associate
A provisional ballot, also known as a challenge or affidavit ballot, is a fail-safe method for states to ensure that all eligible voters are given the chance to cast a ballot. When an individual’s eligibility to vote is uncertain on Election Day, an election official will ask them to cast a provisional ballot. The provisional ballot is then stored separately from other ballots and only counted once a voter’s eligibility has been verified by election officials.
The Help America Vote Act of 2002, commonly referred to as HAVA, requires states to offer provisional ballots on Election Day. As of February 2024, provisional ballots are offered in every state except Idaho, Minnesota and New Hampshire. However, these three states offer same-day voter registration where a qualified elector can register to vote and cast a ballot on Election Day. This has essentially eliminated a need for provisional ballots in those states.
In 2016, more than 2.4 million provisional ballots were cast nationwide. Given that a provisional ballot is reviewed in order to validate the voter’s eligibility, they often take more time to count. This can lead to votes still being tallied after Election Day. Confusion surrounding changes in post-election vote tallies spurs misinformation regarding provisional ballots and lead to allegations of voter fraud.
With a rise in misinformation and disinformation surrounding elections, it is critical to address myths and rumors with the facts. Falsehoods regarding the integrity of provisional ballots can undermine elections, lead to lower voter turnout and fuel mistrust in election officials. This article seeks to dispel some of the common myths about the use of provisional ballots in elections.
Validly cast provisional ballots are counted in every election regardless of a candidate’s margin of victory. Under HAVA, states are required to inform voters if their ballot was counted or rejected and why. Although the timeframe for verifying provisional ballots varies by state, all provisional ballots are reviewed and either counted or rejected before the state’s deadline for certifying the results of an election. Provisional ballots are also included in the official tallies of any election recount.
Election officials may be unable to announce election results on election night because provisional and absentee ballots are often still being counted. This process takes time and is intended to ensure that only validly cast ballots are counted. Election results may be delayed not due to any “meddling,” but due to the time it takes for election officials to ensure the results are correct.
Provisional ballots can take multiple days after Election Day to be counted due to the large quantity of provisional ballots cast and the time it takes to verify a voter’s eligibility. In 2020, over 1.3 million provisional ballots were cast nationwide. For each of these ballots, an election worker must verify the identity and eligibility of the voter. Only once this has been done can the ballot be counted and included in the final tally.
Federal law requires most states to allow voters to cast a provisional ballot; however, each state sets its own standards, guidelines and timelines for processing these ballots. In Hawaii, election officials have up to 20 days following an election to process provisional ballots. However, in Alabama, this process must be completed by noon on the seventh day after Election Day. It is not only normal, but administratively necessary, for states to have different timelines for announcing election results.
Regardless of each state’s timeline, finalizing an accurate tally of votes often cannot be done within the confines of election night. Trying to rush this delicate process can lead to inaccurate election results and increase partisan conflict.
Provisional ballots are not a means for ineligible voters to cast a ballot, but instead ensure that only the ballots of eligible voters are counted. Provisional ballots are only issued if a voter’s eligibility cannot be determined on Election Day. Eligibility criteria are defined in each state’s statutes, along with explicit procedures for verifying an individual’s eligibility.
In addition to eligibility criteria and verification processes, states specify circumstances under which a voter can cast a provisional ballot. These circumstances include an administrative error in a voter’s registration record and the inability of a voter to verify their identity when they appear to cast a ballot on Election Day, among others. More information regarding why a voter may be issued a provisional ballot can be accessed at Provisional Ballots 101.
All provisional ballots that are cast on Election Day are set aside and individually evaluated to determine whether if the voter in question is eligible to vote in that jurisdiction. Only after it has been determined that the voter was registered or is eligible to be registered in that jurisdiction and has not cast another ballot at another polling place, is the ballot counted. If a voter’s eligibility cannot be determined or the voter is found ineligible to vote in that jurisdiction, the provisional ballot is rejected and the voter is notified.
Once the voter has been informed that their ballot has been rejected, they have a set amount of time to cure their ballot. Each state has a unique provisional ballot cure process. Generally, a state Canvassing Board, Board of Elections or equivalent will examine the information on the provisional ballot and any evidence presented by the voter, the challenger, or the election official to determine the voter’s eligibility. If the voter’s eligibility cannot be confirmed or the Canvassing Board finds the voter ineligible, the provisional ballot will not be counted. The provisional ballot will only be counted once a voter’s identity has been confirmed and the voter was determined eligible by election officials.
Understanding your state’s election laws and processes is critical to identifying false rumors regarding elections. Be sure to reference your state’s election page for more details on the provisional ballot process, timeline and other voting information. To learn more about the facts behind other election rumors, visit Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Election Security Rumor vs. Reality.
By Morgan Thomas, Policy Associate
Alas, the time has come for Election Day and the opportunity to cast your ballot at your precinct’s polling place. Most voters will be registered to vote prior to Election Day. However, voters who have yet to register or update their registration must either utilize their state’s same-day voter registration process, cast a provisional ballot, or, in some states, both.
A voter may cast a provisional ballot on Election Day when their eligibility to vote is uncertain or when there are uncertainties surrounding their registration status. A voter who casts a provisional ballot, which is also referred to as affidavit or challenge ballot, must verify their eligibility prior to their ballot being counted. This process is time consuming and entails reviewing voter rolls, verifying the voter’s identity and conducting signature verification, among other investigative procedures. Voters who fail to provide a valid form of identification when casting a provisional ballot may be required to return to their election office with the identification necessary to verify their eligibility.
The timeline for voter eligibility verification varies significantly by state. In some states, the verification process starts the day after Election Day and ends a few days later at a specified time. However, many states offer a range from five to 20 days after Election Day to process provisional ballots. For example, North Carolina begins processing provisional ballots immediately after the polls close on Election Day and continues until they are completed.
There are several reasons why an eligible voter may need to cast a provisional ballot. Some of the most common reasons for submitting a provisional ballot are:
In some states, provisional ballots are issued as part of the same-day voter registration process. For example, voters in Wisconsin who are not able to provide a valid form of identification when registering to vote on Election Day must cast a provisional ballot. For the provisional ballot to be counted, the voter must provide election officials with the proper identification by 8 p.m. on Election Day. If the voter cannot supply a valid form of identification on Election Day, they have until 4 p.m. on the Friday following Election Day to present this information at the municipal clerk’s office. In some cases, a voter is already registered to vote but arrives on Election Day without proper photo identification.
Similarly, a voter may already be registered to vote prior to Election Day but arrived on Election Day without proper photo identification. In states with similar voting procedures, such as Indiana and Ohio, the voter may need to return to their election office after Election Day to show their required identification before their provisional ballot is counted.
Although provisional ballots are issued to ensure eligible voters receive an equal opportunity to cast their vote, they also provide an additional level of election security. Provisional ballots are only counted once a voter’s eligibility to vote at a specific precinct has been verified by election workers. This prevents voters from attempting to cast more than one ballot in the same election.
States were not required to offer provisional ballots until passage of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). In fact, by 2000, only 17 states and the District of Columbia offered a provisional ballot process. This resulted in many eligible voters being turned away from the polls on Election Day.
Today, HAVA requires most states to offer provisional ballots for voters whose eligibility to vote on Election Day is uncertain. Although provisional ballots must be available in most states under federal law, states have discretion over how and why provisional ballots are used. For example, Maine counts all provisional ballots in the same manner as regular ballots regardless of the precinct in which they are cast unless a recount is requested. In contrast, North Dakota provides a provisional ballot process only if a court order extends polling hours on Election Day or if a voter is unable to present proper identification at their polling place. Given that does not require voter registration, the need to cast a provisional ballot on Election Day is rare.
States that offered same-day voter registration or did not require voter registration when the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 was enacted are exempt from HAVA’s provisional ballot requirements. These states include Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In 2023, New Hampshire became the newest state to implement a provisional ballot process. Currently, Idaho and Minnesota are the only two states that do not have a provisional ballot process. Idaho and Minnesota are the only two states that do not have a provisional ballot process.
Note: This information is current as of February 2024. There is currently pending legislation in Minnesota to allow provisional ballots for voters who register to vote on Election Day.
The process of casting a provisional ballot varies by state. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has a list of recommendations for how states should implement provisional voting. However, to some degree, the process of casting a provisional ballot is as follows:
Once a voter casts a provisional ballot, they should ensure that their eligibility was verified and that their vote was counted. Under HAVA, states must provide a method for voters to confirm that their vote was counted, and, if it was not counted, inform the voter as to why. Most states use an online tool or a toll-free phone number where voters can check and ensure their ballot is counted.
If a voter finds that their provisional ballot was not counted — meaning that their ballot was rejected — they were likely deemed ineligible to vote. In 2017, the Election Administration and Voting Survey gathered data regarding the usage of provisional ballots nationwide between 2006-16. According to the survey, the most common reasons for provisional ballots to be rejected were:
The examination body that is responsible for determining eligibility can vary by state. To determine a voter’s eligibility in a specific jurisdiction, a state will use a canvassing board, board of elections, or equivalent body to examine the information on the provisional ballot and any evidence presented with the ballot. If the voter’s eligibility cannot be determined or the voter is found to be ineligible to vote in that jurisdiction, the provisional ballot will not be counted.
If you have questions about your state’s specific provisional ballot cure process and timelines, be sure to visit your state’s elections website.
Across the nation, legislators are taking steps to reduce the usage of cellphones and other electronic devices in schools. States are seeing increased bipartisan support for these bills that are designed to create more focused learning environments.
In 2023, Florida led the way in barring students from using personal devices during class time. Other states followed suit with legislation prohibiting cell phones or other personal devices during the school day, including Indiana, Louisiana and South Carolina.
South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver sent a brief survey to teachers in May on the usage of cellphones in schools, garnering around 10,000 responses. According to the responses, 83% of high school teachers indicated that phones distract students in the classroom. [Ninety-two percent] of teachers support a cellphone-limiting policy, while 55% supported a complete ban within the school day.”
That survey sparked a big response from the South Carolina Department of Education, which drafted a policy to “create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions. “The policy intends to enhance the classroom environment by prohibiting personal electronic devices during the school day.
The state Board of Education formally adopted the policy on Sept. 3, meaning that district schools must implement it to receive state funding according to Proviso 1.103. The initiative was named Free to Focus SC and aims to “create a phone-free school environment that fosters a positive learning experience free from electronic distractions.”
“Research and feedback show that the widespread use of smartphones in schools has created serious academic, mental health, and discipline challenges…”
– South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver
“Research and feedback show that the widespread use of smartphones in schools has created serious academic, mental health, and discipline challenges,” Weaver said. “With this policy, South Carolina students will be free to focus on their academic future and building life-long friendships in a safe environment, while South Carolina educators are free to focus on teaching.”
Louisiana joined the list of states cracking down on cell phone usage during school earlier this year. SB 207 passed with an 84–13 vote and was signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry just in time for the 2024-25 school year. Sen. Beth Mizell, the primary author of the bill, said a working group coordinated by a Louisiana superintendent illuminated the issue inspiring the bill.
“The number one recommendation in this working group of about 50 teachers was the cell phone situation, having to constantly correct kids or trying to get the kids’ attention away from their phone.”
– Sen. Beth Mizell, Primary Bill Sponsor
This echoes a recent Pew Research analysis, which found that 72% of high school teachers find cellphones to be a major problem in the classroom.
However, it isn’t just the distraction from schoolwork that inspires these bills. Many legislators, administrators, teachers and parents are concerned about social media use as a tool for bullying and harassment.
Studies have yet to determine whether cellphone bans effectively reduce cyberbullying and online harassment. Research, though, shows that prolonged social media usage does contribute to the growing youth mental health crisis.
In July, Gov. Glenn Youngkin issued an executive order directing the Virginia Department of Education to draft guidance for schools to establish policies and procedures for cellphone-free education, citing youth mental health as a concern.
“Implementing cell phone-free education in Virginia’s K-12 public schools is critical, especially given youth chronic health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, that are driven in part by extensive social media and cell phone use,” Youngkin’s office said in a press release.
– Press Release Issued from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Office
Florida’s HB 379 (2023) specified ramifications of cellphone usage on student mental health within the bill, specifically stating “the negative effects of social media on mental health, including addiction; the distribution of misinformation on social media; how social media manipulates behavior …” and more.
Dissenters of anti-phone bills feel students should always be able to reach an emergency contact, if necessary. Parents are torn by wanting their kids to be more focused in class while also being able to contact them in a worst-case scenario. In fact, 56% of parents surveyed by the National Parents Union indicated students should sometimes be allowed to use their cell phones during the school day.
“What I hope, beyond the fact that kids can focus on the academics, is that students really make the most opportunity they can in the school environment and that they get the social skills of actual talking face to face.”
– Press Release Issued from Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s Office
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
By: Joe Paul, Policy Analyst
The United States Navy is one of the country’s seven uniformed services. It is most often the first service to contact adversaries and is the United States’ principal power projection force. Through the use of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, the U.S. Navy keeps ships near strategic interests and acts as a deterrent to aggression against the U.S. and its allies, as well as maintains maritime law.
The Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces whose primary mission is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and ensuring freedom of the seas. The Navy operates globally, providing maritime and economic security and power projection in support of national interests.
Mission
Per the U.S. Navy official website, “the United States is a maritime nation, and the U.S. Navy protects America at sea. Alongside our allies and partners, we defend freedom, preserve economic prosperity, and keep the seas open and free…” The Navy does this through force projection of forward deployed assets such as carriers strike forces and overseas bases.
History
Officially, the Navy was established in 1798. However, naval historians credit the start of the Navy to the Continental Navy of 1775, which was disbanded after the American Revolution.
The history of the Navy is divided into two ages: the “Old Navy” from the age of sail and including the ironclads of the US Civil War and the “New Navy” that emerged afterward based on constant modernization. The Navy still maintains the USS Constitution, which is the oldest ship in the fleet and was launched in 1797. Currently, the USS Constitution is maintained by Naval officers and crew.
The “Old Navy” began when U.S. merchant traffic came under the fire of Barbary pirates from Northern African states. President George Washington’s administration requested Congress pass the Naval Act of 1794 creating a standing U.S. naval force and authorization to build six frigates. Frigates are smaller ships built for speed and maneuverability and used for patrol or escorts for larger ships. The U.S. Naval Academy was established in 1845 on the grounds of Old Fort Severn in Annapolis, Maryland, where future officers, called “midshipmen,” train today.
By 1882, the U.S. Navy was outdated and ready for modernization in both size and style of ships. The U.S. was ready for a “New Navy.” Over the following years, the Navy built modern steel armored cruisers and some of the first battleships.
By 1898, the investment showed, with the U.S. winning two major naval engagements in the Spanish-American War. This success led to the Navy’s wider reach and over the next century the Navy maintained forces in both the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. By the end of WWI, the Navy had more officers and sailors in uniform than the British Royal Navy.
The modern U.S. Navy is the direct result of lessons learned in WWII and the War on Terror. Namely, the U.S. needs to have force projection, or the ability to deploy and maintain forces, and a fleet that is capable of multiple roles. Along with maintaining ships, boats and other marine crafts, the Navy also has the second largest fleet of aircraft, behind the U.S. Air Force.
The Fleet
The Navy deploys many types of ships and other craft. In general, ships are classified as carriers, cruisers and destroyers, submarines, amphibious crafts, littoral combat ships, and hospital ships.
The United States Navy is one of the country’s seven uniformed services. It is most often the first service to contact adversaries and is the United States’ principal power projection force. Through the use of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, the U.S. Navy keeps ships near strategic interests and acts as a deterrent to aggression against the U.S. and its allies, as well as maintains maritime law.
The Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces whose primary mission is to maintain, train and equip combat-ready naval forces capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and ensuring freedom of the seas. The Navy operates globally, providing maritime and economic security and power projection in support of national interests.
Carriers
The largest ships in the fleet are, by far, the aircraft carriers. Whether designed to accommodate jet fighters or helicopters, these ships focus on force projection, securing maritime law and deterring aggression against the United States or its allies. There are four classes of carriers: the Gerald R. Ford, the Nimitz, the America and the Wasp. The current Gerald R. Ford-class of carriers has a complement of over 500 officers and almost 3,800 enlisted in its crew. When battle-ready, a Nimitz-class carrier has over 5,600 crew of which about 2,300 belong to the Air Wing. The Air Wing is the planes, officers and crew that make the aircraft carrier such a potent offensive force; it is semi-autonomous from the carrier itself which is run by the ship’s officers and crew.
Special Forces
Established during the President John F. Kennedy, the U.S. Navy SEALS (Sea, Air and Land Team) serve a highly specialized role in U.S. military operations specializing in unconventional warfare. SEAL duties include, but are not limited to:
Cruisers & Destroyers
Cruisers are large, multi-mission ships that often work with carriers and other craft to complete missions. Given their size and speed, cruisers often serve as the flagships. Additionally, the ships are equipped with long range missiles. Destroyers are the primary warship of the U.S. Navy and are essential for maintaining freedom. They can operate independently or as part of strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and underway replenishment groups.
Submarines
U.S. submarines are among the most technical vessels and are used as platforms for guided and ballistic missiles, anti-submarine warfare and reconnaissance. Submarines can also covertly bring Navy SEAL teams into hostile environments.
Amphibious Force
The Navy Amphibious Force can move large numbers of U.S. Marine forces quickly through landing crafts and helicopters, all while providing fixed wing aircraft support. Amphibious warfare is an offensive military operation using naval ships to place ground and air assets onto hostile shores in a designated landing zone. Throughout history, these operations were conducted using the ship’s boats as a primary method of delivering U.S. Marines to the shore. Generally, boats can be carried by ships and have a command and crew even in port.
Littoral Combat Ships
The newest additions to the Naval Fleet are the Freedom and Independence-class littoral combat ships, which are designed for operations close to the shore. These ships are designed to switch operation goals with ease.
Hospital Ships and Other Craft
The rest of the fleet consists of support ships ranging from resupply ships, oilers, hospital ships and numerous smaller craft. The Navy also operates its own construction battalion, known as the Seabees. The Seabees were established by Congress in response to the need for facilities to support the island-hopping U.S. strategy of the Pacific during WWII and the need to create airfields, barracks, hospitals, mess halls and more around landing zones to serve as forward bases of operations.
Organization and Ranks
The organizational structure of the United States Navy is designed to efficiently and effectively deploy maritime power. At its core, the Navy is structured into various units, from individual ships to expansive fleets, each playing a crucial role in maintaining naval superiority and projecting force worldwide.
At the lowest level, the Navy is comprised of individual ships, which serve as the fundamental operational units of the fleet. These ships range from aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines to support vessels such as supply ships and hospital ships. Each ship is typically commanded by a commissioned officer, often a captain or commander, who is responsible for its operation, crew and mission readiness.
Multiple ships are organized into squadrons or groups, forming the next level of the Navy’s organizational structure. Squadrons consist of similar types of ships, such as a carrier strike group composed of an aircraft carrier, guided-missile cruisers, destroyers, and other supporting vessels. These squadrons are led by senior officers, such as commodores or rear admirals, who oversee the training, readiness and deployment of the ships under their command.
Above squadrons are naval fleets, which are composed of multiple squadrons and serve as the primary operational units of the Navy.
The U.S. Navy operates several fleets, each responsible for specific regions of the world. For example, the U.S. Pacific Fleet operates in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, while the U.S. Fleet Forces Command oversees naval operations in the Atlantic and Arctic regions.
Each fleet is commanded by a four-star admiral, known as a fleet admiral or commander, who is responsible for the overall readiness and combat effectiveness of the naval forces under their purview.
Additionally, the Navy is organized into specialized commands responsible for specific functions, such as training, logistics, and research and development. These commands support the operational forces by providing essential services, resources and expertise necessary for mission success.
Overall, the organizational structure of the United States Navy is designed to maximize operational flexibility, strategic mobility and combat effectiveness, ensuring that the Navy remains ready to defend the nation’s interests and respond to crises anywhere in the world.
Ranks of Enlisted and Officers
Ranks in the Navy differ from other branches in that they are called “ratings.” Enlisted ranks range from seaman recruit to master chief petty officer, while officer ranks range from ensign to admiral.
Like other branches of the military, Navy personnel are assigned specific roles and responsibilities based on their rank and expertise or “rating.” One example is the crossed anchors insignia of the boatswain’s mates who are personnel tasked with keeping the equipment on a ship or boat in good working order.
Navy officers can also hold rank as a Chief Warrant Officer, which are specialized officers who lead and manage specific areas on a ship that require a commissioned officer. In this image, an aviation boatswain’s mate is stenciling their insignia on the ship to denote the space is their responsibility.
Enlisted Ranks
Each ship or shore facility has a Command Master Chief, and each Fleet or Force has a Master Chief.
Officer Ranks:
The highest-ranking enlisted member of the Navy is the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. The Commander-in-Chief is the top rank for both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets, and they hold the rank of Admiral. The Chief of Naval Operations (above, Admiral Lisa Franchetti visiting naval cadets at Rickover Naval Academy High School) is the highest officer in the Navy and holds the rank of Admiral. Five-star Admirals are only awarded during times of declared war.
Most officers come into the Navy through one of three methods: the U.S. Naval Academy, Officer Candidate School or through a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program on a college campus.
Once commissioned, officers will go to follow-on schools in aviation, surface warfare, submarine warfare, supply or judge advocate general. Most of these schools are in Newport, Rhode Island, while the U.S Naval Aviation Schools Command is in Pensacola, Florida, and trains aviation specialties for the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and partner nation’s officers and enlisted personnel.
The mission areas of surface warfare, aviation, submarine, construction, logistics, administration and intelligence offer a variety of opportunities for personnel to explore whatever specialty fits their skill set.
There are 12 aviation military occupation specialty codes (MOS); seven construction military occupation specialty codes; 28 general military occupation specialty codes that range from boatswain’s mate, mess specialist and gunner’s mate to quartermasters and yeoman; there are ten engineering military occupation specialty codes.
U.S. Navy personnel fulfill critical job functions as:
All the positions within the Navy center around the Navy’s need to maintain, train and equip naval forces that are combat-ready and capable of deterring aggression, maintaining maritime freedom and winning wars. This requires ships and ground forces with highly skilled officers and crews to maintain and operate some of the world’s most sophisticated technology.
