Lungren Takes Action to Protect Military and Overseas Voters

Oct 18, 2012

WASHINGTON – On September 28th, House Administration Chairman Dan Lungren, R-Calif., took action to ensure that the voting rights of military and overseas voters are protected after the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website incorrectly listed Wisconsin’s ballot return date as seven days after the actual deadline.  

At the Chairman’s request, the Committee sent an attorney from the House of Representatives to Wisconsin to work with election administrators to ensure the franchise for all of Wisconsin’s UOCAVA voters. Meetings have been scheduled with the FVAP to discuss what they plan to do to remedy the situation. Additionally, the Chairman will be sending a letter to state election officials reminding them of upcoming deadlines and offering the assistance of the Committee if they encounter additional problems. The Committee has already reached out to other private overseas voting groups to ensure the information they are providing to American citizens abroad is accurate and up-to-date.

Chairman Lungren issued the following statement:

“Our system of elections is successful because the American people believe that, whether their chosen candidate wins or loses, their vote has been counted and their voice heard.

“It’s alarming to know that an untold number of our men and women in uniform were provided incorrect information. This is an unacceptable error that cannot continue. Whether it’s from the battle field or at the ballot box, our men and women in uniform deserve to have their vote counted.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that military and overseas voters have adequate opportunities and resources to vote. I will continue to work to protect the rights of these voters and ensure they have accurate and timely information.”

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