Under the Federal Voting Assistance Program operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Secretary of State will direct county auditors to accept email requests for absentee ballots and to process e-mail ballots returned through the Defense Department's new electronic transmission service.
"Our service men and women are not only limited by distance. They're facing dangers everyday to fight for and preserve democracy. The core principles of that democracy depend on the ability of each of our citizens to cast an independent vote," Secretary Culver said. "It is appropriate that we make every available opportunity for those defending our country to cast their vote, wherever they may be."
At a news conference in Des Moines, Montgomery County Auditor Joni Ernst spoke both professionally, on her experience as an auditor overseeing county elections, and personally, as she has served overseas during both Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 to April of 2004.
"As county auditor and commissioner of elections, I fully support and applaud any steps that will allow our service members to participate in our democratic process, especially when they are the ones defending our democracy," said Auditor Joni Ernst.
Throughout the next week Iowa's National Guard and reserve members and their families will be receiving a mailing with the necessary information about absentee ballot requests and military voting options. For more information about Iowa elections see the Secretary of State Web site.
