LEGISLATIVE REPORT
‘Vote By Mail’
No lines, no booth…
No problem
Voting in elections is probably our most
important right as Americans. The principles
upon which this country was founded rest
squarely on the belief that the right to select our
representatives is not only the best way to establish a government, but that it is a right that is basic
to our humanity itself.
ROB NIXON
While it can argued that the choice not to vote
is, in itself, a conscious choice, what can’t be
argued is that the future of the law enforcement in New Jersey
will be decided in the elections soon to come. There are therefore simply too many critical issues at stake to not vote on any
Election Day.
The State PBA therefore wants to help the members make it
as easy as possible to cast their ballots. In the March edition of
NJ COPS, the State PBA inserted an application for a “Vote by
Mail” ballot. The same application will also be inserted into the
May issue. With “Vote by Mail,” the ballot box literally comes to
you: no lines, no booths, no going out of your way during a busy
day.
If you have never used the “Vote by Mail” option you may not
be aware of a few important facts. First, unlike years ago, you no
longer need to claim a hardship to use one during an election.
For that reason, absentee ballots are now considered “Vote by
Mail.” Second, if you check one of the boxes in Section 10, you
can continue to vote by mail in future elections without filling
out the form again.
Voting by mail is easy and can be done in the privacy of your
own home. Simply fill out this application and the ballot will be
mailed to you directly. Make your choices at home and mail
your votes in without ever needing to go to the polls. It’s simple,
takes almost zero time and can ensure that you don’t miss out
on making your voices heard on Election Day.
Every election is critical for the State PBA membership, and
ensuring that our members and their families make an impact
at the ballot box is critical for the future of law enforcement in
New Jersey.
In 2016, most people will be looking to vote for their choice
for President in the Primary and November elections. But there
are also important local and county races that more directly
impact members where they live and work. And this election
may see a number of constitutional amendments on the ballot,
including one on funding the NJ State Pension System.
Your right to vote is sacred. Take advantage of it any way you
can. d
12
NEW JERSEY COPS
■
APRIL 2016