AP15:090
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2015
CONTACT: Sam Mahood
Office: (916) 653-6575
Cell: (916) 661-2633
Secretary of State’s Office Launches “Honor Veterans. Vote.”
SACRAMENTO – Secretary of State Alex Padilla was joined by veterans and California military leaders to launch the “Honor Veterans. Vote” program today. The program provides Californians an opportunity to dedicate their vote in honor of a family member or friend who has served or is actively serving in the military.
“Throughout our nation’s history, brave service men and women have dutifully served and sacrificed to secure our most basic rights—including the right to cast a ballot during elections,” Secretary Padilla said. “The right to vote is more than an opportunity—it is a duty. We should honor our veterans and active duty service members by participating in the democracy that so many have fought to preserve. Through the Honor Veterans. Vote. program, Californians can dedicate their vote in honor of a family member or friend who is a veteran or actively serving.”
“It’s hard to imagine a greater privilege than the right to choose one’s leaders,” said Capt. Will Martin, of the California National Guard. “It’s one of those freedoms that inspires those of us in uniform to enlist. I can’t think of a greater way to honor a veteran than exercising one’s vote.”
Sixteen other states operate similar programs. California will be the largest by far. Nearly two million Californians are veterans—making up nearly 10 percent of all veterans living in the United States.
California citizens can visit honorveterans.sos.ca.gov and submit information about the veteran or active duty service member they wish to honor—including branch of service, rank, and years of service—and provide a brief dedication that may be included on the Secretary of State’s website. Californians who participate can choose to receive a certificate or a lapel pin to proudly display appreciation for their honored veteran or active duty service member.
###
