Voter Suppression Will Disenfranchise Troops. Now, the Pentagon Must Tell Us How Many (votevets.org)

[Omaha Steve]

http://votevets.org/news/?id=0542

By Jon Soltz | Huffington Post | View story in the original context
PUBLISHED: June 21, 2012

The voting rights of our men and women in uniform are under attack, and it's time for the Pentagon to take action.

As has been reported for the past few months, there are dozens of efforts to restrict ballot access, both under consideration and already enacted from Pennsylvania toWisconsin. We know that thousands upon thousands will have their right to vote impeded by these laws. What we don't know, however, is how many men and women in uniform will be among them.

For example, we know in Colorado that many troops would be disenfranchised by the 2011 decision of Secretary of State Scott Gessler to order that no ballots be sent to so-called "inactive voters" -- those voters who did not vote in 2010. We know from news reports that this would disenfranchise 64 active duty troops in one county in Colorado. But there has been no review done on how many troops would be disenfranchised state-wide.

We know that in Missouri, a version of legislation passed through the State House that would eliminate mail-in absentee ballots for all members of the military, who are unable to cast their vote in person. The legislation allows those in combat zones to submit their ballot via fax or email, which can make it nearly impossible for many who are in the field. There is no such provision for those who are stationed at overseas bases, such as in Germany or Korea, or at U.S. bases far away from the state. We know that about 11,000 troops from Missouri voted by absentee ballot in 2008, but there has been no review to determine how many troops potentially would be disenfranchised in 2012.

FULL story at link.

[drm604]

1. Once again, Republicans show their disdain for our troops.

Maybe they intended this, or maybe they didn't. But even if they didn't, the fact that they didn't even consider it when they passed these bills says a lot about their attitude towards our service people.

[madashelltoo]

2. They see them as lackeys

This is why they want to stop abortion and birth control. They want more lackeys manufactured. They put on all of the fake accolades, complete with pomp and circumstance; but really all they want is service. To run, roll and kill on their orders. Rights? You really think Repigs are considering your rights? Please, people. How many ways do they have to show us they don't give a damn about any of us. They manipulate folks to make it look like we're voting them in and then they grin and talk down to us. Why do you think that silly ass Joe Walsh feels empowered enough to say the things he says? Of course, he's simple as hell; but he also has been made to feel he has the right to say what he truly feels. Our armed forces have represented the country well, but instead of insisting that they be respected and given a rest, a time to heal, those asswipes want to start yet another war with anybody . . . Iran, Syria, you name it. They're making money. And, when they finish taking their votes, they will institute a draft to sweep up all the babies that have been born to loving parents to ship off to be maimed and killed. Like Robme, their sons and daughters will not attend the war. Wake up, America! Please, wake up!

[SoutherDem]

3. I guess they are afraid the troops

know Democrats care more about them than Republicans