Absentee ballots can make a difference

  • Published
  • By Capt. Kimberly Layne
  • U.S. Air Force in Europe Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  In the Nov. 2 general election, the next president, vice president, 34 senators, 435 representatives, 13 governors and hundreds of local officials will be elected.

American voters play a very important role in this process, said Maj. Rickey Harrington, U.S. Air Forces in Europe voting officer.

“The military has a strong voice, and it is imperative that every member is afforded the opportunity to register and vote,” Major Harrington said. “We are making sure that installation voting assistance officers and unit voting assistance counselors are making 100-percent contact with every member to ensure they are given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.”

The deadline for completing and mailing a Federal Post Card application (for registration) is no later than 45 days before the election date, or 30 days before the election for the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot.

The registration process is quite easy, Major Harrington said. As long as you complete and mail the necessary paperwork before the posted deadline, your vote will be counted.

The Military Postal Service Agency is also taking precautions to uphold the integrity of the voting system. Each absentee envelope will be inspected by post office workers for proper date stamping.

“We believe this will diminish the problems we saw in 2000,” said Tech. Sgt. Wes Smith, a postmaster here. “Incomplete and inappropriate postmarks, which plagued the last general election, will not be a problem this time.”

People should register and send their ballots as soon as possible to ensure that the registration forms arrive on time, Major Harrington said.

While voting assistants and post office workers play a major role in the success of the election process, the buck stops with individual voters.

“We want to make sure the tools are in place to help the voters, but ultimately it is their responsibility to start the process,” Major Harrington said.

For more information about overseas voter registrations, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site at www.fvap.gov. (Courtesy of USAFE News Service)