SCHUMER URGES MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS TO REGISTER TO VOTE NOW FOR 2010 ELECTIONS

Armed Forces Voters Week and Overseas Voters Week Is June 28-July 7

Schumer Sponsored Military and Overseas Voting Law That Makes It Easier for Millions of Voters to Register and Vote in Elections

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, urged military and overseas voters to register to vote now to ensure their right to participate in this year’s primaries and elections.  The Department of Defense (DOD) is conducting an extra push to reach military voters during Armed Forces Voters Week and Overseas Citizens Voters Week, which run from June 28 to July 7.

The Department of Defense has designated voting assistance officers at military bases that can help service members and their families where they are stationed.

Chairman Schumer sponsored the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE Act), which was signed into law in October 2009.   This law made it easier for military and overseas citizens to register and to cast their votes, and strengthened the role of the Department of Defense Federal Voting Assistance Program. The MOVE Act allows military and overseas voters to request voter registration and absentee ballots online, requires States to transmit these items electronically if requested by the voter, and mandates states to send ballots to these voters at least 45 days before Election Day.

“Men and women serving at home and overseas put their lives at risk every day to keep our nation safe. We owe it to them to make sure they can vote while they are serving,” Schumer said. “I urge all military service men and women and other Americans living overseas to register to vote as soon as possible so their voices can be heard in this year’s elections.”    

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