Marines prepare to cast votes in Iraq

Marine Link ^ | August 29, 2004 | Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Marines prepare to cast votes in Iraq
Submitted by: 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Story Identification #: 2004829182754
Story by Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri



AL ASAD, Iraq (Aug. 29, 2004) -- As November’s general elections approach, the time for Marines to consider their vote has arrived.

After working hard to help stand up the first elections for the people of Iraq since the removal of Saddam Hussein from power, the time has now come for American forces to exercise their freedom to vote.

Even while deployed to a war zone, those who wish to vote are actively supported by the military. However, it’s not always easy for those deployed far from home to cast their vote and many wonder whether their ballots make a difference.

“Marines are strongly encouraged to take an active role (in the general elections),” said Capt. Jesse L. Sjoberg, voting assistance officer, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, “and as we know from the last (presidential) election, your vote does count.”

Each unit is assigned a voting assistance officer to aid Marines in making sure that each person is aware of voting deadlines and able to vote in a timely manner, as well as convey the significance of exercising the privilege.

“It’s important that everyone knows (about) and utilizes their right to vote,” said Sjoberg.

“Voting is extremely important,” added Cpl. Lonnie R. Mitchell, administration clerk, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “People need to be educated about their voting options,” offered the 26-year-old from Charlotte, N. C.

According to the Federal Voter Assistance Program, Marines who want to vote here must first fill out the Federal Post Card Application. The FPCA is sent to the Marine’s home state, which in turn sends the voting ballot back to the Marine in Iraq.

“The voting process is nearly exactly the same for the military as it is for people back (in America),” said Sjoberg. “Filling out the (FPCA) is the key factor for Marines who want to vote overseas.”

Serving in a foreign country during wartime can cause a slowdown in mail delivery, which is why the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot was made available to military personnel serving overseas.

“The (FWAB) is a last resort for those who don’t get their ballot from the state in time because of mail issues,” explained Sjoberg. “Marines simply write in their choice for the national election and sent it in.”

Although the voting assistance officer is responsible for troop awareness, once the Marines have the information, it’s up to them to take action, said Sjoberg.

“I put all the information out there and give everyone ample opportunities to act with it,” remarked the 32-year-old from Omaha, Neb., “but actually casting the vote is a step that (the individual) has to take.”

“Everyone has the responsibility to vote,” emphasized Mitchell, “and being lazy isn’t an excuse.”

The deadline for overseas post card applications was Aug. 15, but it’s not too late for those in the states to send theirs in.

“The deadline for state side post cards is September 15,” remarked Sjoberg. “There will be a voter awareness week taking place in the beginning of September.”

For more information concerning voting, servicemembers can contact their unit’s voting assistance officer, or visit the Federal Voters Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov.

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[Ragtime Cowgirl]

After working hard to help stand up the first elections for the people of Iraq since the removal of Saddam Hussein from power, the time has now come for American forces to exercise their freedom to vote.

 

"...Marines are strongly encouraged to take an active role (in the general elections),” said Capt. Jesse L. Sjoberg, voting assistance officer, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Ping!

[Bluntpoint]

If the military absentee vote goes to Saddam I will be deeply saddened.

[cousair]

Do you suppose the DNC bully boys will do in this election what they did to the military vote in Florida 2000?

[rineaux]

For all that is sacred and pure and for the love of Chesty Puller, VOTE GWB.

[Happy2BMe]

Thanks for this important thread - BUMP.

[Dubya]

Good for the Marines. I was in the Marines for four years before America let me vote.

[Parley Baer]

The democRATS and their lawyers are lined up to challange every overseas military vote. Every vote counts as long as it is for a democRAT. Parley

[jackbill]

Keep in mind that none of these folks have been included in any of the multitude of polls that we've been reading.

[chesty_puller]

Amen

[tsmith130]

"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time" - Lewis B. "Chesty" Puller, USMC

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

My pleasure. (^:
_______________

The Navy NewsStand

Sunday, August 29, 2004

Registration Deadline for November General Election Approaching

 -- With the Nov. 2 general election just weeks away, Navy voting officials are working hard to ensure every Sailor, Navy family member and civilian employee is contacted, given the opportunity to register to vote, and can cast a ballot by Election Day.

Sept. 3-10 is Armed Forces Voter Week, and is the last big push to get all Sailors registered to vote in their home states.

It is recommended that absentee voters be registered at least 45 days prior.....

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[opbuzz]

The Florida Marines may as well hang it up, Kerry's folks are already here to cast out their votes like last election.

[boycottliberalhollywood.com]

And no doubt Michael Moore or his peeps will file some sort of legal action claiming the soldiers cannot vote until they get to view Full-o-Lies 9/11, no, make that Fahernheit 9/11.

[SAMWolf]

Bump

[blackie]

Big Military ~ Bump!