It's your future, vote for it! Published Oct. 12, 2004 By Gen. Richard B. Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- In this election year, you, our men and women in uniform, are stationed around the globe serving our nation and defending democracy. We have both the responsibility and the privilege to participate in our democracy by exercising our fundamental right to vote.I encourage every one of you, as well as your family members of voting age, to join in the democratic process and cast your ballot. You will have the opportunity to vote, either in person or through absentee ballots, in primary, special run-off and general elections, no matter where you are stationed or what operation you are participating in. Recent elections have demonstrated the importance of every absentee ballot. Your vote does count! The 2004 elections will determine our choice for president and vice president, 34 senators, the entire House of Representatives, and 13 governors, as well as thousands of local officials. I urge each of you to participate, starting with the primaries already underway and continuing through the general election on November 2nd.Most of you will be using the absentee voting process, which has never been easier than it is today. For those of us in the Armed Forces and our family members, starting the process is as easy as filling out and mailing the Federal Post Card Application. The FPCA is available from your unit voting assistance officer, who can also assist you with your state procedures. As members of the Armed Forces, we each have a responsibility to take part in determining our nation's leadership.