Military members overseas should request ballots

With the November elections quickly approaching, Governor Paul LePage and Secretary of State Charlie Summers are reminding Maine’s service members and eligible dependents to make sure they are able to vote. National Military Voter Readiness Day on September 15, 2012, is a day designed to raise awareness among service members and their families serving overseas to ensure they are registered to vote and to request an absentee ballot.

“Mainers and their families serving overseas and abroad devote themselves to defending our country. I encourage all soldiers to exercise the rights they so honorably protect,” said Governor LePage.

Registering to vote is a simple process for Mainers and their spouses serving overseas. Registration applications may be downloaded online, or requested by calling 1-888-VOTES-ME (1-888-868-3762). Likewise, requesting an absentee ballot is just as easy, and can be requested by Mainers serving in the military until Election Day, as long as the voted ballot is returned to the Elections Division on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day. However, military members are encouraged to submit their ballots as early as they are able.

“Maine citizens honorably serve in all branches of the military around the world in 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 they can fully participate in November’s election,” Summers said.

Members of the military looking to register and vote in Maine can find all the information they need, including registration applications and absentee ballot request information by visiting: http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/voter_info/uocava.htm#regvote

Military members may also visit http://www.heroesvote.org/the-time-is-now/ to register and request an absentee ballot in one step.