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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS COLUMN
NEW OPTIONS FOR MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS
According to numbers from the Pentagon and the Minnesota Secretary of State, there are roughly 90,000 Minnesotans who are eligible to vote from overseas. But in 2006 only 2,695 cast their ballots – that’s barely 3 percent! Numbers were a little higher during the 2004 presidential election, but it is clear something needs to be done to make it easier for military service members and all other Minnesotans who might be overseas on Election Day.
That’s why I joined a unanimous vote in the Minnesota House to make it easier for Minnesotans who are overseas to request and receive their ballots. Now, overseas voters can request to have their ballots e-mailed or faxed to their location. Ballots still needed to be returned by mail, but being able to get them into voters hands virtually instantaneously helps avoid delays. My hope is that by eliminating complications, more overseas voters will request a ballot and exercise their right to vote.
The Secretary of State has put up a great website - https://minnesota.overseasvotefoundation.org/ - where overseas voters can request their ballots. There is also a Voter Help Desk that can answer any and all questions about voting from overseas.
If you will be overseas on Election Day, or if you know someone who will, this new law is meant to make it easier for you to vote. I highly encourage you to visit the website and request your ballot today.
Sincerely,
Mike Beard
State Representative
Shakopee & Prior Lake
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