Treasure Coast Sun

Today, Representatives Brian Mast, Bill Huizenga, and Michael Waltz have called on the Pentagon to address issues affecting active duty service members' ability to vote. The congressmen are urging Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to mobilize resources ensuring that eligible military personnel can exercise their voting rights in the current election cycle.

Rep. Mast criticized the current administration, stating, "Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have mobilized federal manpower, resources, and tax dollars to block state-level election integrity measures...yet they’ve failed to plan accordingly to facilitate the right to vote for every single one of our nation’s brave men and women in uniform."

Rep. Waltz added his concerns about misinformation regarding service members in combat zones: "Both Joe Biden & Kamala Harris have dismissed our warfighters serving in combat zones...We need assurances these service members who are putting their lives on the line for our country have the information and tools they need to cast their ballot to vote."

Rep. Huizenga echoed these sentiments by highlighting a lack of support from the administration: "It is completely unacceptable that our men and women serving overseas are not receiving the proper information and resources necessary to cast their ballot."

The representatives pointed out issues such as inadequate education on voter registration and absentee ballots at military bases. Reports indicate some bases had depleted stockpiles of federal write-in absentee ballots.

In response, Reps. Mast, Huizenga, and Waltz sent a letter to Secretary Austin urging him to ensure all necessary resources are available for service members wishing to vote. They also requested information on the Pentagon's preparedness efforts regarding this matter.