Wilson Moves to Ensure Military’s Right to Vote is Protected

On February 15, 2011, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) participated in a hearing the Committee on House Administration conducted on the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment ("MOVE") Act. The purpose of this hearing was to explore the implementation of the MOVE Act during this past election cycle. States had varying degrees of success in complying with the Act, specifically with the provision requiring states mail overseas ballots at least 45 days before election day. Several states missed the 45-day statutory deadline for mailing ballots, many of which were intended for service members overseas. Keeping good on a promise to provide oversight on the recent irregularities reported regarding the right to vote for members of our military, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) announced the following update:

"Members of our military fight for the basic democratic right they are being denied. We owe it to our troops to ensure they receive voting ballots on time so they can participate in the democratic process they help to defend. As a former election commissioner, I know compliance can be achieved. I will work to call further hearings on the matter so we can examine how to be adequately prepared for the next election cycle. Doing so will enable members of our military to have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. In addition, I would like to thank Chairman Lungren for affording me the opportunity to participate in this hearing."