Ranking Member Takano Believes in Protecting Veterans' Right to Vote

WASHINGTON– Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano released the following statement following the Supreme Court decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee, upholding mail-in voting protections for military and overseas voters.

"This is a landmark day for protecting the sacred right to vote for the thousands of servicemembers, military families, and veterans who depend on mail-in ballots. In 1864, at the height of the Civil War, servicemembers voted from their military camps, proof that even in our nation's darkest hours, we found a way to make our servicemembers’ voices heard. In 2026, that right must be equally protected.

Our servicemembers do not get to choose where they are stationed, and they should never have to choose between serving their country and exercising their civic duty. The Supreme Court's decision today ensures that no matter where our men and women in uniform are deployed or live, their votes will count and their voices will not be silenced by the delays of military mail.

If war itself could not interrupt voting in 1864, there is no excuse for letting a postmark stand between an American citizen and their constitutional right in 2026. Today's ruling is a victory not just for the military and veteran community, but for the democratic values they risk their lives to defend,” said Ranking Member Mark Takano.

###

• Print
• Email
• Tweet