Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered all U.S. troops to receive a day off in October to ensure they can participate in the 2026 midterm elections, marking a new Pentagon policy aimed at promoting voter access. The stand-down order will take effect by October 15 and will be repeated in future even-numbered election years, framed as an "apolitical" initiative. The move comes as part of broader efforts to integrate voting rights into military operations while maintaining neutrality in political processes. Military personnel will now have guaranteed time to cast their ballots without disruption to their duties.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that all U.S. troops will get one day off in October to vote in the 2026 midterm elections. Hegseth said the stand-down order will be executed by Oct. 15 and will continue in even-numbered election years as part of a new and “apolitical” Pentagon “with all the right...
