Representative Laurel Lee (R-FL) is teaming up with Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) to introduce a bipartisan bill protecting and strengthening oversight of military absentee ballots.
Specifically, Rep. Lee's Supporting Military Voters Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to compile an in-depth report detailing the federal government's efforts to implement the directives outlined in the 1986 Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and recommend improvements to voter registration and assistance.
The bill is a response to findings Rep. Lee reports in her press release, suggesting that voter turnout among active-duty military is very low compared to civilian voter turnout.
Notably, only 23% of active-duty servicemembers voted in the 2022 midterm elections, while only 15% of those deployed overseas participated in the voting process. Civilian rates in the 2022 elections averaged 52%.
"The brave men and women who serve our country should never face unnecessary barriers when it comes to voting," said the Florida Congresswoman, adding, "This bill ensures Congress continues to exercise oversight of federal programs designed to serve military voters and gives us the information we need to improve the process. Every service member who wants to vote should be able to do so securely, and on time."
Similarly, Rep. Neguse said, "The right to vote is sacrosanct, and those who bravely serve our country must have every opportunity to make their voices heard, including when serving overseas."
"That's why I'm proud to team up with Rep. Laurel Lee in introducing the Supporting Military Voters Act. This bill would ensure that distance does not disenfranchise those protecting our country from voting," Rep. Neguse added.
In November, Lee's colleague, Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), wrote to former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin demanding answers on the various inadequacies plaguing overseas polling stations, saying, "Despite UOCAVA and the tools available within the Department of Defense to ensure a smooth voting process for active-duty service members, there are still service members experiencing difficulties when they try to vote.
