McDonnell Statement on Absentee Voting for Overseas Military Members
-McDonnell Opinion in October 2008 Cleared Way for Counting of Disputed Absentee Ballots from Overseas Military in Presidential Election-
RICHMOND- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, issued the following statement today regarding the importance of quick and timely distribution of absentee ballots to Virginians serving overseas in the United States military. McDonnell is a 21-year veteran of the United States Army. His oldest daughter, Jeanine, served a tour of duty as a platoon leader in the United States Army in Iraq in 2005-2006.
“Local general registrars aresending out absentee ballots to Virginians here and abroad. Many of these ballots will go to men and women defending our nation in Iraq, Afghanistan, and all over the world. These brave men and women are awaiting their opportunity to participate in the system of government that they daily preserve in harsh conditions and in dangerous locations. It is imperative that we make sure that every step is taken to get absentee ballots out expeditiously to our service members. There is no excuse for any delay in this undertaking. In my 2009 legislative package as Attorney General I included a proposal to further assist in the quick and timely distribution of absentee ballots to Virginia voters, including military members stationed overseas. Our local general registrars do a tremendous and critical job in overseeing Virginia elections. I thank them for their service to our Commonwealth. Today I encourage them to continue to take all steps necessary to guarantee that the men and women on the front line of our freedoms get to participate in the most pivotal one of them all: the right to choose our elected officials in peaceful, free and open elections.”
In October 2008 McDonnell, serving as Virginia’s Attorney General, issued a formal opinion clearing the way for the counting of absentee ballots sent in by overseas military members that were in danger of not being tallied due to a conflict between federal and state regulations.
The opinion received wide state and national coverage. Several stories can be found here:
Bob McDonnell served in the United States Army for 21 years, active duty and reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997. Bob attended The University of Notre Dame on an ROTC scholarship. His father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. Bob’s oldest daughter, Jeanine, served in the United States Army, including a one-year tour of duty in Iraq in 2005-2006.
This July, Bob rolled out his comprehensive plan to make Virginia “America’s Most Veteran Friendly State.” For details about the broad range of proposals comprising the plan please visit:
http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/vets_for_mcd.php
For information on how to vote absentee please visit: