Provisional Ballots MythBusters

Provisional Ballots MythBusters

Dispelling myths surrounding provisional ballots in elections

By Morgan Thomas, Policy Associate

What are Provisional Ballots?

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.

Rumor: Provisional ballots are only counted if a race is close.

 

Reality: Provisional ballots are counted in every election regardless of the margin of victory.

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.  

Rumor: Election officials fail to announce results on election night because they are meddling with the election process.

 

Reality: Election officials may not announce results on election night because absentee and provisional ballots are still being counted in the days following Election Day.

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. 

Rumor: Provisional ballots allow ineligible voters to vote.

 

Reality: Provisional ballots are only counted once a voter’s eligibility has been confirmed.

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.  

Provisional Ballots 101

Provisional Ballots 101

By Morgan Thomas, Policy Associate

What is a Provisional Ballot?

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.

Why are Provisional Ballots Issued?

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:

  • A voter’s name does not appear on the voter registration list at their precinct.
  • A voter has already requested an absentee ballot but claims that they have not cast or received it.
  • A voter’s address or name has changed and has not been updated on their voter registration.
  • A voter lacks a valid photo identification in states that require one.
  • A poll watcher challenges a voter’s eligibility.
  • For primary elections, a voter’s registration does not reflect their correct party affiliation for primary elections.

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.

Provisional Ballots and the Help America Vote Act of 2002

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.

How are Provisional Ballots Cast?

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:

  • 1. A voter arrives at their precinct polling place to cast their ballot but their name does not appear on the voter registration list.
  • 2. The voter is then given a provisional ballot to mark their votes. The voter then places their ballot in a secrecy envelope that is kept separately from regular ballots.
  • 3. When the polls close, election officials begin to determine the voter’s eligibility.
  • 4. Once the voter’s eligibility has been verified, the ballot is removed from the secrecy envelope and counted. If the voter was not registered, the ballot remains in the secrecy envelope and is not counted.

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.

Can Provisional Ballots Be Rejected?

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 voter was not registered.
  • The voter cast a provisional ballot in the wrong jurisdiction.
  • The vote was cast in the wrong precinct.
  • The voter did not have the required form of identification or did not provide the required identification within the specified time frame.
  • The information provided on the provisional ballot was incomplete, or the envelope was illegible.
  • The voter had already cast a ballot for that election.
  • There was no signature on the provisional ballot or the ballot envelope.

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.

Ending the Call: How States are Disconnecting Students from Cellphones to Reconnect with Learning

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

Military 101: The U.S. Navy

Military 101:

The U.S. Navy

Tulsa underway in U.S. Third Fleet 

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

03.28.2021

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Colby Mothershead

Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1

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:

  • Conduct insertions and extractions by sea, air or land to accomplish covert missions.

  • Capture high-value enemy personnel and terrorists around the world.

  • Collect information and intelligence through special reconnaissance missions.

  • Carry out small, close-fire missions against military targets.

  • Perform underwater reconnaissance and the demolition of man-made or natural obstacle prior to an amphibious landing.

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

  • Seaman Recruit (E-1) 
  • Seaman Apprentice (E-2)
  • Seaman (E-3)    
  • Petty Officer Third Class (E-4)
  • Petty Officer Second Class (E-5)
  • Petty Officer First Class (E-6)
  • Chief Petty Officer (E-7)
  • Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8)
  • Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)
  • Command Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9)

Each ship or shore facility has a Command Master Chief, and each Fleet or Force has a Master Chief.

Officer Ranks:

  • Ensign (O-1) – gold bar
  • Lieutenant Junior Grade (O-2) – silver bar
  • Lieutenant (O-3) – two silver bars
  • Lieutenant Commander (O-4) – gold leaf
  • Commander (O-5) – silver leaf
  • Captain (O-6) – silver eagle          
  • Rear Admiral Lower Half (O-7) – silver star
  • Rear Admiral Upper Half (O-8) – 2 silver stars
  • Vice Admiral (O-9) – 3 silver stars
  • Admiral (O-10) – 4 silver stars

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.

US Naval Academy Formal Parade 

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, UNITED STATES

04.13.2011

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Chadwick Runge

U.S. Navy

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:

  • Operations specialists — Coordinate and direct the movement of ships and aircraft, as well as monitoring and controlling communications and sensors.
  • Aviation — Operate helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for search and rescue, maritime law enforcement and other missions.
  • Engineer and maintenance — Maintain and repair ships, aircraft and other equipment used by the fleet.
  • Personnel — Perform human resource functions such as administrative duties, maintenance of records for officers and crew, and program management.
  • Intelligence — Gather and analyze intelligence to support Navy missions and contribute to national security efforts.

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.

Mental Health Matters: Enhancing Nondiscrimination, Parity and Benefits in the Workplace

Mental illness includes mental, behavioral or emotional conditions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health 57.8 million adults in the U.S. lived with a mental illness in 2021, yet only 26.5 million received mental health services. Effective treatment for mental health conditions can often lead to reduced workplace accidents and injuries; lower absenteeism and turnover; improved productivity; and decreased disability costs.

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Mental Health Matters: Expanding Access to Workplace Care and Supports

Of the 167.9 million workers across the nation, many are impacted by some level of work-related stress daily. According to a survey by The American Institute of Stress, 83% of U.S. workers experience such stress, which can affect a person’s health, relationships, productivity and job performance. Poor workplace environments where discrimination, inequality, excessive workloads, low job control and job insecurity exist can contribute to mental health conditions. As a result, employers may face absenteeism, low employee productivity and an increase in stress-related worker injuries. The impact on U.S. employers is more than $300 billion in losses annually. Conversely, workplaces that prioritize mental health often contribute to recovery and inclusion, improve confidence and social functioning and improve worker productivity. State governments and other employers can implement a range of strategies designed to mitigate negative impacts, boost employee well-being and build a more inclusive workforce.

These issues were a focus of the Mental Health Matters: National Task Force on Workforce Mental Health Policy convened by The Council of State Governments and the National Conference of State Legislatures, in collaboration with the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED), which is a unique state-federal collaboration funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. The task force engaged state policymakers and subject matter experts from across the country to explore policy options and actions taken by states to address major workforce challenges and barriers to employment for people with mental health conditions. Four task force subcommittees explored specific issues. 

The Workplace Care and Supports Subcommittee identified inclusive workforce strategies state governments can use to foster worker well-being. These include developing employee wellness programs and drug-free workplace initiatives as well as providing reasonable accommodations for employees with mental health conditions.

Workers stand to benefit significantly from employee wellness programs. These programs are proven to reduce disease risk factors and increase healthy behaviors among employees and can lead to lower health care costs and utilization. According to a study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the SHRM Foundation and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 78% of organizations in the U.S. offered workplace mental health resources in 2022 or planned to offer them in 2023. Many states offer wellness programs for public sector employees, but some have taken additional steps to incentivize private employers to adopt or expand services under these programs. For example:

  • In 2009, North Dakota launched a Worksite Wellness Program initiative in partnership with the Dakota Medical Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Dakota and the Department of Health to improve employee engagement with worksite wellness programs. The initiative provides implementation resources and training to organizations across the state.
  • Pennsylvania Executive Order 1996-10 (1996) establishes its State Employee Assistance Program to provide its employees and their family members with free, confidential assessments and referral services. The program includes:
    • Financial, legal and emotional support services.
    • Six free counseling sessions per year.
    • Resources for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).
  • Wisconsin SB 73 (2013) provides an income and franchise tax credit to small businesses that offer workplace wellness programs. The credit equates to 30% of the amount spent by the employer to provide the program in a taxable year.

Another strategy for supporting employee mental health is implementing ready-recovery workplace programs. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, such efforts encourage treatment and support recovery for employees with SUD. Approximately 13.6 million adults with SUD are employed in the U.S., comprising nearly 9% of the adult workforce. Drug-free workplaces improve productivity, decrease absenteeism and reduce the risk of workplace accidents or injury. These programs range from providing treatment options to those who fail drug screenings to establishing court diversion programs.

  • New Jersey SB 524 (2023) creates the Mental Health Diversion Program to divert eligible individuals with SUD away from the criminal justice system and into appropriate case management and mental health services.
  • Kentucky SB 191 (2020) permits employers to hire and retain individuals who fail a drug screening if the employee completes a drug education and addiction treatment program. The bill also provides legal liability protections to employers that implement the Kentucky Transformational Employment Program in their workplaces.

Employees with mental health conditions may be negatively impacted by certain factors in an office setting. Helpful accommodations may include flexible or modified work schedules and remote work. As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees worked from home, and 28.2% participated in a hybrid model. States are supporting telework in a variety of ways, such as expanding broadband access and granting remote options to public employees.

  • Vermont HB 99 (2013) allows public and private sector employees to request intermediate or long-term flexible work arrangements, such as telework, job-sharing or changes in work schedules.
  • In 2016, Tennessee’sDepartment of Human Resources issued Policy 14-001 to provide guidance on Alternative Workplace Solutions (AWS) for state employees. AWS allows certain employees to have flexible schedules and workspaces and has been used as a model for other states. The legislature also appropriated grant funding to improve broadband access in underserved areas.

Additional examples of state telework policies can be found in The Council of State Governments brief Disability-Inclusive Telework for States: State Approaches to Increasing Access & Inclusion. For more information about these findings and others, visit the “Mental Health Matters: Framework on Workforce Mental Health Policy.” This resource outlines policy options to recruit and retain qualified mental health providers; increase access to workplace care and supports; address the unique needs of underserved communities; and enhance mental health parity. Such practices are vital to solve the mental health crisis — and build a stronger, more inclusive workforce and economy.

Mental Health Matters: Reaching Underserved Communities

According to research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a strong correlation exists between social determinants of health — the conditions and environments in which people live and work — and health outcomes. Social drivers, such as employment, access to insurance and health care and quality of care can profoundly impact a person’s health and well-being.

Data shows underserved groups have less access to mental health services and are less likely to experience high-quality care due to a lack of culturally competent providers and implicit bias among health care professionals, among other factors. Similarly, rural residents often face greater behavioral health workforce shortages, transportation barriers and social stigma than those in urban areas. The reciprocal relationship between health and employment also means that individuals with unaddressed mental health conditions experience a higher rate of employment instability further exacerbating adverse mental health effects. To reverse these negative outcomes, state policymakers can work in their communities to adopt equitable policies that reduce barriers to employment and increase access to mental health services.

These issues were a focus of the Mental Health Matters: National Task Force on Workforce Mental Health Policy convened by The Council of State Governments and the National Conference of State Legislatures, in collaboration with the State Exchange on Employment & Disability (SEED), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. The task force engaged state policymakers and subject matter experts from across the country to explore policy options and actions taken by states to address workforce challenges and employment barriers for people with mental health conditions. Four task force subcommittees explored specific issues. 

The Underserved Rural, Racial and Ethnic Communities Subcommittee identified strategies to increase access to mental health services and treatment. These include:

  • Collecting data to better understand care disparities across populations.
  • Engaging underrepresented community members.
  • Expanding telehealth and broadband infrastructures.

Understanding quality of care, assessing where health disparities exist and effectively allocating resources requires appropriate data collection. Although most hospitals collect some data, across the U.S. collection methods and data quality related to underserved or underrepresented groups varies widely. According to 2019 information, Medicaid programs face similar data challenges. Most states reported missing, inconsistent or unusable race and ethnicity data for their Medicaid programs. However, some states are beginning to require more stringent and standardized data collection practices in their health systems. For example:

  • Maine LD 274 (2021) directed the Maine Health Data Organization to determine the best methods and definitions to use when collecting data to understand and analyze health care disparities.
  • Massachusetts Chapter 277 (2020) Section 4513-2020 appropriated funds for the Office of Health Equity to conduct a study assessing the availability of culturally competent behavioral health providers in the state.
  • Washington HB 2755 (2020)requires health care data reports to include specific demographic information such as income, language, health status and geography.

Some states are also attempting to mitigate mental health inequities for multiple marginalized populations by including representatives from these communities in state advisory groups. Engaging communities in the decision-making process can help build trust, increase collaboration and hold governments accountable. It can also lead to improved accessibility and quality of services. Members from these communities can leverage their lived experience to provide valuable input on policy and programing. States can use legislation or executive orders to create commissions, task forces, councils, advisory groups and offices that incorporate the voices of underserved populations. For example:

  • Kentucky SB 10 (2021) established the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity to conduct studies and research where disparities may exist across sectors. The goal is to identify opportunities for improvement in providing services, especially to underserved communities.
  • Michigan Executive Order 2020-55 (2020) created the Coronavirus Task Force on Racial Disparities to study the causes of disparities and recommend actions to address systemic inequities. The task force is responsible for developing and improving systems that support long-term economic recovery, as well as physical and mental health care, following the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Vermont H 210 (2021) established an office and advisory committee focused on health equity to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity among Vermonters. The committee advises the Department of Health and General Assembly on funding decisions related to improving health care for underserved populations.  

Lack of access to care is one of the most substantial barriers to health equity that can be alleviated through the expansion of telehealth and broadband access. Though the behavioral health workforce shortage is not unique to rural areas, the distribution of the workforce is significantly uneven. Rural counties are more likely to lack psychiatrists and psychologists than urban areas. Underserved groups also find it difficult to locate culturally and linguistically appropriate care. Furthermore, underserved groups, including people living in rural areas are less likely to have access to broadband. Several states are taking steps to expand access to broadband and telehealth services. For example:

  • Arkansas HB 1176 (2021) ensures that Arkansas Medicaid reimbursements for certain behavioral and mental health telemedicine services continue now that COVID-19 public health emergency has ended.  
  • Colorado HB 21-1289 (2021)codified the Colorado Broadband Office in the Office of Information Technology and created the digital inclusion, broadband stimulus and interconnectivity grant programs to increase community broadband deployment.

For more information about these findings and others, visit the “Mental Health Matters: Framework on Workforce Mental Health Policy.” This resource outlines policy options to recruit and retain qualified mental health providers; increase access to workplace care and supports; address the unique needs of underserved communities; and enhance mental health parity. Such practices are vital to solve the mental health crisis — and build a stronger, more inclusive workforce and economy.

Mental Health Matters: Addressing Behavioral Health Workforce Shortages

The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath prompted a surge in demand for mental health care, as many Americans faced increased isolation, loneliness, job loss, financial instability and grief. The demand surge exacerbated a two-part challenge that predated the pandemic: a lack of access to mental health services and a shortage of mental health providers.

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World Mental Health Day

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Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

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