Governor McDonnell encourages military members and eligible dependents to register to vote and apply for absentee ballots immediately
RICHMOND – With state deadlines for registering and requesting an absentee ballot fast approaching, Governor McDonnell reminded military personnel of National Military Voter Readiness Day on September 15, 2012. The day is intended to raise awareness among military members and their eligible dependents about the importance of voting and help make sure military voters are election ready.
“Virginia citizens honorably serve in all branches of the military around the world in the defense of freedom. On National Military Voter Readiness Day, I ask our men and women serving abroad and their family members to take action now to ensure you can fully participate in November’s election.”
The chief objectives of Military Voter Readiness Day are to:
- Encourage military personnel and their eligible dependents to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot immediately;
- Encourage active duty military voters and their eligible dependents to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which allows them to register and request an absentee ballot in one simple step;
- Raise awareness that one must apply to register to vote in Virginia by October 15, 2012;
- Emphasize that requests to vote absentee by mail must be received by close of business on October 30, 2012.
For more information about National Military Voter Readiness Day or to complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), please visit http://www.heroesvote.org/the-time-is-now/.
For assistance completing the Federal Post Card Application, contact Ms. Terry Wagoner, Absentee Voting Coordinator at the Virginia State Board of Elections at 804-864-8937.