|
Rep. Kalin’s overseas voting bill signed |
|
|
|
Wednesday, 23 April 2008 |
|
District 17B Rep. Jeremy Kalin’s (DFL-North Branch) overseas voting initiative (HF 1259) was signed into law April 17, making the absentee voting process easier for all Minnesotans. Due to complications in the overseas voting system, 80 percent of all overseas ballots are not counted, he said. “Minnesotans living overseas are our defenders and ambassadors of democracy abroad,” Kalin said. “The right to vote - and the assurance that vote will be counted - is the cornerstone of our democracy. Any impediment to this fundament right is an injustice, plain and simple. Fixing our overseas voting process was the right thing to do.” Currently, absentee ballots cast by Minnesotans living overseas must be delivered and returned by mail. This process can take days or even weeks for overseas voters. As a result of this slow, and inherently flawed system, only one in five returned overseas ballots arrive by Election Day and are counted, he said. Half of all Minnesota citizens voting overseas are members of the military. The law will make it easier and faster to vote absentee; and change how absentee ballots are processed and counted. Kalin’s law will help all Minnesota citizens living overseas (including military contractors, students, missionaries, diplomats and others) exercise their legal right to vote.
|
