WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, issued the following statement today on a newly revised Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) policy allowing voter registration groups access to VA facilities. Chairman Akaka, along with Senators Feinstein and Kerry, had urged the Department to rescind an earlier prohibition on voter registration activities. 

"The Department's announcement removes unnecessary limitations they had placed on voter registration groups.  VA did the right thing by taking initiative internally to change this policy in time for veterans to participate in the upcoming elections."

The Department's revised policy includes the following clarifications:

• State and local election officials, as well as non-partisan groups, are welcome to assist in voter registration at VA hospitals and outpatient clinics.  Such voter registration assistance must be coordinated by the VA facilities to ensure that it does not disrupt patient care.
• Every VA hospital is now required to publish a written policy on voter assistance.
• Information about the right to register and to vote will be posted in every VA hospital. 

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September, 2008