Wyman, Veterans Affairs launch `Vote in Honor of a Vet’
Secretary of State Kim Wyman has teamed up with the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to launch “Vote in Honor of a Vet” to encourage both voting and celebrating the contributions of our 600,000 veterans, 60,000 active duty military and 19,000 Guard and Reserves.
Wyman, the state’s chief elections officer, and WDVA Director Lourdes “Alfie” Alvarado-Ramos unveiled the project on Tuesday at the Washington Veterans Home near Port Orchard. Dozens of veterans applauded the news.
The “Vote in Honor of a Vet” program allows Washington voters to dedicate their vote to someone in active duty military or a veteran who is special to their family. A special Secretary of State website http://tinyurl.com/pdobjyc also allows participants to post a personal story and photo. Participants will be mailed a special lapel pin from the state Elections Division.
Wyman thanked the veterans for their service and their sacrifice. They helped secure our freedoms, including the privilege and right of voting, she said. The project is “an exciting opportunity to recognize these important people in our communities and in our lives.”
Alvarado-Ramos said she is proud for the Department of Veterans Affairs to partner on this project. The department connects veterans and their families to the benefits and services they earned through their military service.
“Vote in Honor of a Veteran is a wonderful way to remind voters that the ability to cast a ballot and truly have a voice in their government, is something that was guaranteed through each and every veteran’s service,” said Alvarado-Ramos.
Participating in this new project is as easy as 1-2-3, said state Elections Director Lori Augino.
–Visit the Vote in Honor of a Vet website.
–Upload your story and a picture.
–Receive a free pin, wear it proudly, and VOTE!
“We are so excited about shining the light on our amazing service members and veterans,” Augino said. “The bonus will be if this special tribute also prompts more people to vote. I hope everyone will take a few minutes to share their stories.”