Steps taken to make sure sailors can vote

[unhappycamper]

Steps taken to make sure sailors can vote
By Eric Talmadge - The Associated Press
Posted : Friday Oct 24, 2008 6:40:51 EDT

ABOARD THE CARRIER GEORGE WASHINGTON — Issues such as the failing U.S. economy, overhauling health care and getting troops out of Iraq can seem a world away when cruising the western Pacfic’s balmy waters.

But neither the vast ocean nor the long distance from home will keep Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) 2nd Class Justin Carlisle from voting in the upcoming U.S. presidential elections.

Stung by criticism that it was hard for military personnel to vote in the last presidential elections — and get their ballots home in time to be counted — the Navy has made a concentrated effort this year to assure that every sailor who wants to can cast a ballot.

“It was easy,” Carlisle said, standing in the hangar bay of the George Washington. “It took some time for my ballot to find me. But then I just filled it out and sent it off in the ship’s mail.”

Lt. Cmdr. Chuck Le Moyne, who serves as the ship’s elections officer, said interest in next month’s elections is high among the crew of the carrier, deployed on a Pacific tour since August.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_votingatsea_102308/%2e