It was great to hear yesterday that the House is taking steps to allow nonpartisan voter registration at VA Facilities. It is an especially important issue for disabled veterans undergoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or receiving long term care at VA hospitals. These men and women who have sacrificed so much are concentrating on getting better (rightfully so of course!) and may not be aware of deadlines for registration and absentee ballots requirements.
This became an issue in May, when the Department of Veteran Affairs banned Voter Registration drives in its facilities. The stated reason was to avoid disruption in daily operations. I would hate to see that happen, but I think simply coordinating with the organizations doing the drives would avoid that.
While I'm extremely grateful that Congress is moving to correct this problem, it is equally irritating that it has had to come to legislative action. Encouraging veterans to vote is not a partisan issue (or least it shouldn't be).
This is a bill being cosponsored by Iraq Veteran(and VoteVets.org candidate) Patrick Murphy (D, PA-8).