Congressman Diane E. Watson - Representing California's 33rd Congressional District
For Immediate Release
September 9, 2008
Contact: Dorinda White
(202) 225-7084

Lois Hill Hale/Sharita Moon
(323) 965-1422
 
 
 

Rep. Watson Applauds VA Policy Revision on         Veterans Voting Access

 
 
Washington, DC— Rep. Watson applauded today’s policy reversal by the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding a controversial VA directive that prohibited state and local election officials from providing registration assistance to VA facility patients.

 

“I was pleased to learn that the VA has implemented a new policy change regarding voter registration for VA facility patients,” stated Watson. “The new policy will allow state and local election officials and non-partisan groups to give our veterans access to their fundamental right to vote.”

 

“I would like to thank my colleagues and Chairman Brady for making this issue a priority. Our combined efforts to implement HR 6625, the Veteran Voting Support Act, was the catalyst that led to this policy change.”

 

The new policy requires that voter registration information be posted in VA facilities. It also requires that patients receive documentation outlining their voting and registration rights upon their admission.

  

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