Pennsylvania soldiers get data on absentee voting
But they must qualify under state law and have opportunity to get ballots
Washington (UP) – (Feb. 5)
The War Department has informed soldiers from Pennsylvania, Illinois, Nebraska and Louisiana that they have some voting to do this April – if they’re qualified under state laws and if they have the time, patience and opportunity to do what it takes to get and cast ballots.
In a preview of what will happen on a tremendously larger scale in advance of the November presidential election if no new soldier vote legislation is enacted, the department set in motion machinery to “facilitate” voting in Illinois, Nebraska and Pennsylvania primaries and in Louisiana’s general election.
Inform serviceman
Commanding officers at all military installations have been instructed to call the elections to the attention of men from the four states and to provide those who wish to vote with postage-free postcard applications for ballots. With the postcards go special instructions for each state.
Under Public Law 712 enacted in 1942, the armed services must do what they can to help service personnel obtain absentee ballots. Voting qualifications and the validity of ballots are determined by the states.
The War Department reminded prospective voters of “certain important factors,” including:
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A soldier must be at least 21 to vote.
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In certain states just filing application for an absentee ballot is not enough; there are other steps.
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If a soldier doesn’t know whether he is qualified to vote, “he should immediately inquire by letter to the Secretary of State of the state of his voting residence as to whether it is necessary to register, pay taxes or meet other requirements.”
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Upon receiving his absentee ballot, the soldier should execute it and return it immediately.
Instructions given
The War Department issued the following special information:
Pennsylvania primary, April 25: Soldiers may apply for “official war ballots” covering only federal offices, or for state absentee ballots covering all offices. The former may be obtained from the Secretary of State, Harrisburg, by use of Army postcard forms.