Because of the controversy surrounding Florida's military absentee ballots, I cosponsored the Armed Services Vote Rescue Act. This important bill would require military overseas absentee ballots to be counted if there is no evidence of fraud. The lack of a postmark, witness signature or questions about the way the ballot was requested would not be grounds for disqualification, and the vote would be counted.

While sorting out the presidential election results in 2000, Americans endured a very tedious and frustrating process as ballots in Florida were counted, recounted and recounted again. There were many accusations of voting irregularities and access problems, including the votes of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who are stationed around the world to protect our freedom and peace at home.

It's time to do what's right. If our service men or women make a good faith effort to vote, then these great American heroes deserve to have their votes counted.