Posted on 10/10/2008 9:31:11 PM PDT by tomymind
Hannibal, MO — Stephen Webber knows the last thing on the mind of a combat soldier is punching a ballot. But Missouri is making it easier for Webber’s comrades who are still in battle zones to voice their political choices. The Marine reservist joined Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and Marion County Clerk Bob Ravenscraft in Hannibal on Friday to highlight the options. Technology allows military personnel voting options that were unimagined in past wars. “The important thing is to get the word out,” Carnahan said. “With the election coming up, it’s important that folks who are serving in a combat zone have a say in selecting the next commander-in-chief.” “Today’s modern technology is far more progressive than in the past,” said Ravenscraft, who has witnessed elections around the world. “I look for it to continue to get better.” Webber, who lives in Columbia, served two tours in Iraq. More than 3,300 overseas ballots were cast in 2004, and a greater number is expected this year. Webber said about 8,000 Missourians are deployed at foreign military posts. “If you’ve watched Missouri elections, eight thousand votes really does matter,” Webber said. “Information really is power.” Carnahan said state law lets Missourians who are serving overseas in combat zones fax or e-mail their ballots directly to their home counties. Families should request that an absentee ballot be sent immediately. Carnahan said security is in place so that nothing will “keep their votes from counting.” The technology has been available previously, but hasn’t been used extensively statewide until this year. Ravenscraft said he’s already had 50 requests for ballots to be sent overseas. Most are from military personnel, but not all are in combat zones. The fax or e-mail provision applies only to those who are in harm’s way. A guide to which places qualify can be found at www.govotemissouri.com.
And our soldiers overseas are not polled.
We need a strong turnout in Nv, Va, Oh and Co. Does anyone know how their impacted on 2004 elections?
Arizona is letting the military vote online. That’s awesome but McCain/Palin has a pretty big lead here.
Arizona is not a battleground State.
True. But it’s nice to see that they care enough about the military to make it easier for them to vote.
I agree, but the effort will be useless if Hussein-the-devil wins.
Don’t forget the stateside military voters. They have been encouraged to register and vote in their home states.
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