Jay Rockefeller: “I thank Chairman Dodd and Ranking Member McConnell for working closely with me to reach agreement on an amendment to…”

“I thank Chairman Dodd and Ranking Member McConnell for working closely with me to reach agreement on an amendment to help ensure that the millions of Americans living overseas can vote in Federal elections. Millions of Americans live abroad. Some are business people, some are military personnel, others are students, and some are Peace Corp volunteers. Their votes should count, too. This amendment is simple and reasonable, but important. It directs the Commission created in the Election Reform package to consider the needs and concerns of millions of overseas voters, both civilian and military personnel. The amendment directs the commission to study the issue of long-term registration for overseas voters and make recommendations. It would create a single office in every state that overseas voters could contact for information about voter registration and absentee ballots. The Commission is asked to determine if this office could, and should do more. It states that when election officials reject an absentee ballot, the overseas voter should be notified and given an explanation on why their application was rejected. Finally, this amendment also ask states to report on the number of absentee ballots, within a reasonable time frame.”