It is also the right to speak, but more importantly, the right to be heard. By refusing to recognize an otherwise valid exercise of the right of a citizen to vote for the sake of sacred, unyielding adherence to statutory scripture, we would in effect nullify that right. The overriding principle at stake is the right of citizens to have their vote counted. I agree with the Court, and I encourage election officials in Florida to count all properly executed absentee ballots, including those of military personnel serving outside the State of Florida. If a federal absentee ballot is otherwise properly executed, it should be counted, even if the postmark is in question.
Every absentee voter is entitled to the same treatment.
I am deeply disappointed that the Bush campaign is using military men and women and their families as pawns in a propaganda battle. Republican Party attempts to attack Vice President Gore and the Democratic Party in this regard can only result in bitterness and recrimination. Worse, we risk politicizing the military in a manner antithetical to democracy. We must resolutely reject this perilous course.