Rick Allen: “We saw in the 2000 election that some voters in our armed services were not able to participate or have their votes…”

“We saw in the 2000 election that some voters in our armed services were not able to participate or have their votes counted; in effect, not being able to vote for their prospective Commander in Chief. The issues we are discussing today are very important, but one of the more important improvements was addressing the needs of our military voters. These are people who honorably serve our country, and we want to make sure the votes they cast for their elected officials are counted. Indeed, their service to protect our freedoms should not diminish their rights to participate in representative democracy. Senator Allard's amendment is an effort to make sure those votes are cast. Some of the postmark problems make no sense when people are overseas and on ships. It also makes sure State and local jurisdictions are better informed of performing their important duties in administering elections fairly.”