Emerson: Assure Count of Military Ballots  – October 14, 2010
WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) said today that multiple states have not met their deadlines for mailing ballots to members of the U.S. armed services, and federal action should be immediately directed to make sure military servicemembers and their families can vote.  Thus far, Missouri has met its obligations under the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act, but Illinois, New York and other states have been the subject of investigation.

“Access of our military families to the electoral system is not just an issue of fairness – it is also an issue of honoring the service of Americans who wear the uniform of our country and supporting them during their deployment,” Emerson said.  “The U.S. Department of Justice should take this matter very seriously, as it is important to count every vote.”

The Department of Defense is responsible for setting deadlines for the issuance of ballots to members of the armed services, and the Department of Justice has the latitude to investigate and bring legal action against states which do not meet the deadlines.

“It’s a grave insult to the men and women sacrificing for our safety and security around the world, wearing our flag on their sleeves, to tell them that their ballots won’t count because a state didn’t get it to them in time.  That situation should never happen, and it takes strong oversight to make sure these ballots are getting out in time,” Emerson said.
 

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