News - National
Military ballot law has states in a time squeeze
Posted: Oct 29, 2009 2:34 PM by Associated Press
More than a dozen states are considering holding their primary elections earlier because of a new law meant to protect the voting rights of troops and other Americans overseas.
Starting next year, ballots have to be sent to certain voters at least 45 days before an election under a requirement included in a bill signed Wednesday by President Barack Obama.
That leaves states with August or September primaries in a pickle. The deadline for distributing November ballots will pass by the time many certify the results of their primaries.
Secretaries of state in Minnesota and Vermont are urging their state lawmakers to hold primary elections earlier. But some other states say they'll consider seeking a waiver.
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