Absentee ballots for Afghanistan may have been burned in crash

The Associated Press

Published: October 27, 2012

Troopers cast their ballots in a voting drive in 2008.

Vaughn Larson/U.S. Army

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Federal officials say that absentee ballots being sent to U.S. military serving in Afghanistan may have been burned in a plane crash.

A top official in the Federal Voting Assistance Program this week notified election officials across the nation that a transport plane crashed at Shindad Air Base on Oct. 19.

The crash resulted in the destruction of 4,700 pounds of mail inbound to troops serving in the area.

Federal officials in their email to state election offices said they did not know if any ballots were destroyed. They also said the lost mail was limited to one zip code.

But they recommended that election officials resend a new ballot to anyone who requested one since the first ballot may have been destroyed in the crash and fire.

Email
Print
More...

Comments Policy

Latest Blog Postings

Europe Sportsblog

Ex-Sigonella MVP Jacks picks Coastal Carolina

Former Stars and Stripes player of the year accepts offer from NCAA Division I school currently ranked ninth nationally.
Europe Sportsblog

Ramstein grad Seebeck still making a difference

Former S&S soccer player of the year registers go-ahead assist Sunday in Central Michigan’s 2-0 quarterfinal victory in MAC women’s tournament
Spouse Calls

When the men are gone ...

Army spouse and author Siobhan Fallon tells painful truths through fiction about military life.
Stripes Central

The Old Guard keeps guard, no matter the weather

Hurricane Sandy's path didn't alter the duties of troops watching over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Ruptured Duck

Study: Vets more likely to seek help for alcohol problems than civilians

Researchers said the self-awareness of alcohol abuse is important because it can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes for those veterans.
Pacific Sportsblog

Solution for OCSI tennis, on outside looking in: Post-Far East exhibitions

Put Far East singles winners against OCSI's Kei Tokeshi, Catherine Funakoshi in post-event exhibitions.

Most Read
E-mailed
Hot Topics

Majority of US drones still openly broadcasting secret video October 31, 2012
In videotaped interview, former Aviano IG denies sexual assault October 30, 2012
Bases along East Coast scramble to return to normal after Sandy October 30, 2012
Pararescuemen walk line between fierce warrior, caring savior October 29, 2012
Heavier, tracked, more tanklike Stryker vehicle is unveiled October 30, 2012
Navy replaces admiral leading Mideast strike group October 27, 2012
IG report: Iraqi auditors point to huge money laundering October 30, 2012
Japan gets boost in its bid to share Yokota Air Base October 30, 2012
Sasebo sailor found dead at Japanese train station October 29, 2012
Obama to nominate Army Gen. Rodriguez to lead AFRICOM October 18, 2012

Sasebo sailor found dead at Japanese train station 04:24 October 29, 2012
Pararescuemen walk line between fierce warrior, caring savior 16:20 October 29, 2012
Navy replaces admiral leading Mideast strike group 14:53 October 27, 2012
Obama to nominate Army Gen. Rodriguez to lead AFRICOM 16:21 October 18, 2012
Accusations against three generals cast dark shadow over Army 18:30 October 28, 2012
Navy’s Seabees embrace new roles while navigating budget cutbacks 22:34 October 28, 2012
Defense cuts are the biggest election issue on California Marine base 15:47 October 28, 2012
Absentee ballots for Afghanistan may have been burned in crash 07:41 October 27, 2012
Testimony begins in officer’s sexual assault trial at Aviano 14:26 October 29, 2012
Coast Guard veterans in central Ohio want their due 15:45 October 28, 2012

Your Photos on Stripes Spotted

Letters to Santa
Military History
Book Club

Letters to Santa

Hey, Kids! Hurry and send your letters to Santa, c/o Stars and Stripes, North Pole. Drop them in any APO or US Mail Box. Letters postmarked by Dec. 24 will get a reply. Sponsored by TKS.