(photo) Sen. Kane: Overseas Military Voting Bill Advances
May 23, 2013
Sen. Rob Kane (R-Watertown) today applauded the state senate for moving forward on a proposal he has championed for several years: a bill which will allow military personnel overseas easier access to the ballot box.
“Too many members of our overseas military become disenfranchised because their absentee ballots do not arrive in time for the election,” Sen. Kane said. “Their votes end up not counting, and that needs to change. We all support our military personnel, and it is important that we make it easier for them to vote. I am pleased that this idea has received bipartisan support.”
The state senate on May 23 unanimously passed a bill which would require that the Secretary of the State, in consultation with the Military Department, select a method for use in any election or primary held after September 1, 2014, for military personnel overseas to return their ballots. By January 1, 2014, the Secretary of State will issue a report, describing a recommended method and any legislative changes necessary for its implementation.
“As we pause this Memorial Day weekend to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed services, we also take time to appreciate the precious freedoms so many of us take for granted,” Sen. Kane said. “One of those freedoms is the freedom to vote.”
“And just as our military servicemembers defend our freedoms, we should defend their right to vote,” Sen. Kane added. “This measure, which is long overdue, is a fitting and timely tribute to the men and women who are putting their lives on the line so that we can be free.”
The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives.
The bill’s language can be found here: http://www.cga.ct.gov/2013/lcoamd/2013LCO07651-R00-AMD.htmSen. Rob Kane (R-Watertown) today applauded the state senate for moving forward on a proposal he has championed for several years: a bill which will allow military personnel overseas easier access to the ballot box.
“Too many members of our overseas military become disenfranchised because their absentee ballots do not arrive in time for the election,” Sen. Kane said. “Their votes end up not counting, and that needs to change. We all support our military personnel, and it is important that we make it easier for them to vote. I am pleased that this idea has received bipartisan support.”
The state senate on May 23 unanimously passed a bill which would require that the Secretary of the State, in consultation with the Military Department, select a method for use in any election or primary held after September 1, 2014, for military personnel overseas to return their ballots. By January 1, 2014, the Secretary of State will issue a report, describing a recommended method and any legislative changes necessary for its implementation.
“As we pause this Memorial Day weekend to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed services, we also take time to appreciate the precious freedoms so many of us take for granted,” Sen. Kane said. “One of those freedoms is the freedom to vote.”
“And just as our military servicemembers defend our freedoms, we should defend their right to vote,” Sen. Kane added. “This measure, which is long overdue, is a fitting and timely tribute to the men and women who are putting their lives on the line so that we can be free.”
The bill now heads to the state House of Representatives.