Posted on 10/26/2004 12:23:36 PM PDT by LegalEagle61
Thank you for contacting my office regarding military and overseas absentee ballots in Pennsylvania.
Let me begin by saying that my first priority as Governor is to guarantee a fair election. Let me also stress that everyone’s vote will be counted, including ballots cast by members of our military, particularly those serving overseas.
On Monday, October 25th, I held a conference call with members of the state and national news media to clear up misinformation that has made its way into this election. Pennsylvania’s county boards of elections have certified that all military and overseas ballots have been sent out in accordance with federal law, and that all of these ballots will be counted in accordance with law for the November 2nd General Election.
No one will be denied the right to vote nor will their ballot not count if it is received by the appropriate deadline. Absentee ballots with votes for the entire statewide slate of candidates will be accepted until October 29th. Ballots that come in after October 29th will be counted, only for the office of President, through Election Day.
Just last week the U.S. District Court ruled that all military and overseas absentee voters will have ample time to complete and return their ballots and their votes will be counted. As Judge Yvette Kane noted in her decision, the proposal by the federal government would have “invited unpredictability to an otherwise orderly and time tested elections process” and “may do more to disenfranchise overseas voters than the harm they seek to cure.”
The Court also ruled that sending a second ballot would be “confusing” and would not benefit the 67 county elections offices throughout Pennsylvania. However, I have promised to look into any credible evidence that proves that someone’s right to vote has been violated. I take this responsibility very seriously.
As I wrote to Senator Rick Santorum, there is no greater privilege we as Americans enjoy than that of our right to vote, and as Governor, I have a constitutional obligation to protect that right while ensuring each vote is counted. I do not however have the power to unilaterally extend deadlines set by statute – and it is disingenuous for anyone who believes in the rule of law even to suggest such action.
My administration, namely the Department of State, has worked to help counties with mailing their military and overseas absentee ballots. For instance, with the Court’s permission, we assisted Huntingdon and Venango counties to provide absentee ballots to military personnel via express mail as well as a paid express mail service to return completed ballots.
I believe in the sanctity of our election laws and am offended by accusations of partisan politics. I wish to reassure voters that military and overseas voters will have their ballots counted.
As Governor, I will continue to do all that I can to ensure a fair election where every vote counts and every voice is heard.
Sincerely,
Edward G. Rendell
Governor
I received the identical e-mail from the governor. He must have an automatic response on this one.
E-mail as many servicemen as you can get addresses on, and have them pass this on DIRECTLY to their commanders, requesting speedy resolution. They ALL have a stake in this, not just PA military. Time for action is NOW!
Have 'em give Eddy Boy a big election day surprise!
How far past election day do you propose?
Sorry, my mom IS usually in the majority(a democrat) in PA. She would not be upset one little bit.
"As Judge Yvette Kane noted in her decision, the proposal by the federal government would have “invited unpredictability to an otherwise orderly and time tested elections process” and “may do more to disenfranchise overseas voters than the harm they seek to cure."
I wonder if she would have ruled the same way in Florida, that extending the time to count votes and trying to interpret what the some voters meant by leaving hanging chads, “invited unpredictability to an otherwise orderly and time tested elections process” and “may do more to disenfranchise Florida voters than the harm they seek to cure."
In other words, if those military absentee ballots arrive in Pennsylvania by Nov. 2, as is CLEARLY STATED IN THE LAW that us DEMOCRATS WROTE AND CONTROL, then they will be counted.
If not, tough luck. And don't try blaming us DEMOCRATS cause we're just following the election laws that our DEMOCRAT Judges validated and that us DEMOCRATS are upholding to the best of our DEMOCRATIC ability.
Who cares about a bunch of soldier grunts anyway?
No go pound sand.
(/sarcasm)
Yeah, right Ed. I bet you have briges for sale too.
How about until our military has a fair chance at having their votes counted? What's the objection?
I was wondering how long you would delay the selection of the President. One day, a week, a month? That was the question I was asking.
Pennsylvania is a mess on voting, by Rendell's design.
Nice work. Pass the message far and wide.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.