Cornyn Introduces Bill At Camp Mabry To Ensure Every Military Vote Is Counted

Press Release

Cornyn Introduces Bill At Camp Mabry To Ensure Every Military Vote Is Counted

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today visited Camp Mabry to announce new legislation to protect the voting rights of our troops serving abroad by ensuring their absentee ballots are delivered back home in time to be counted. Sen. Cornyn was joined by Texas Secretary of State Phil Wilson, Texas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson, Major General Jose Mayorga, 36th Infantry Division Commander, and representatives from several Texas veterans' organizations.

"America was built on the values of democracy, fairness and freedom. It is unacceptable that many of the men and women serving to defend those values are being denied one of our nation's most basic and cherished rights," Sen. Cornyn said. "The Military Voting Protection Act (MVP) would take several steps to significantly improve the process of delivering military absentee ballots to ensure every vote matters. Our servicemen and women deserve nothing less as they sacrifice daily to protect our safety, security and freedoms."

Texas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a retired U.S. Marine Lt. Colonel, said: "I commend Senator Cornyn for making sure our fighting men and women overseas - such as my own son - are entitled to enjoy the very same rights they serve to protect. Our soldiers deserve no less."

Sec. of State Phil Wilson said: "As the chief elections officer for the state of Texas, it is important to me that we make every effort to protect the voting rights of the men and women who are risking their lives on foreign soil to preserve the liberties and freedoms we enjoy in the United States. I look forward to working with Sen. Cornyn in his efforts to ensure the secure transmission of ballots to and from our troops overseas."

Texas Adjutant General Charles Rodriguez said: "The proposed legislation is very welcome. More soldier cast-ballots will count. Our military servicemembers deserve every assistance in helping them to exercise their right to vote, a right they sacrifice for every day in service to our country. Sen. Cornyn's legislative initiative will help reduce the time mail-in ballots from our soldiers take to transit back stateside to local election authorities."

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