Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate applauds the Iowa Legislature and Gov. Terry Branstad for making it easier for Iowa’s overseas military members and citizens to vote, and ensuring their votes are counted. The legislation, House File 2147, passed both chambers of the legislature unanimously and was signed into law by Gov. Branstad Thursday morning. The bill gives Iowans serving or visiting overseas an extra 30 days to request, receive and return special absentee ballots, extending the time from 90 days to 120 days prior to an election.
“We should do everything possible to make sure the people defending our right to choose our elected representatives are also given the opportunity to cast their ballots. Extending the time to 120 days will make it easier for them to do that,” Secretary Pate said.
The legislation also removes an obstacle in the election process that currently prevents some ballots cast by overseas and military voters from being counted. Prior to passage this bill, the wording in Iowa Code created a dead end for military ballots by requiring an absentee request for a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. That provision forced county auditors to reject ballots that were otherwise complete and valid.
Full Article: Bill makes it easier for overseas military members to vote | Local News | dailyiowegian.com.