Secretary of State on Military Ready-to-Vote Initiative

Secretary of State Jon Husted spoke with soldiers Thursday on the recently announced Military Ready-to-Vote initiative.

Nearly 170 soldiers of the 2nd battalion -174th Air Defense Artillery in McConnelsville gathered to learn more about the MRV program. The program is designed to make voting easier for military personnel by providing all voting material, information and assistance to those serving overseas.

"Many of these soldiers being deployed, they have families, they have jobs that they need to worry about back at home, as well as the important role that they’re performing to our state and nation," said Husted. "We want one of the simplest things in their life to be is making sure they can register to vote and their vote in counted because above all they’ve earned that."

While in McConnelsville Husted presented First Lieutenant Joel Frary with the honor of a Bronze Star. The Bronze Star represents integrity and loyalty by deployed services. Frary spoke of his gratitude for the recognition and on his own struggles associated with the MRV program.

"Logistically it can be very difficult moving from all these different places," said Frary. "Especially for single soldiers, I’m single, so not having a spouse back home that can submit this paper work, making that easier for absentee voters, will help the process be more democratic, I believe."

With upcoming House discussion on a measure to move Ohio’s primary election from March to May, Husted said despite any possible changes the soldier’s right to easily place a vote remains his main concern.