Throughout his years as Washington’s chief elections officer, Secretary Reed has made it a high priority to give our state’s military voters access to voting, as they are defenders of democracy.

Reed’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. The Washington Army National Guard has recognized the soon-to-retire Secretary for his service in support of the National Guard, especially with voter registration during deployment preparation.

Major General Bret D. Daugherty of the Army National Guard, at ceremonies at the Capitol Monday, presented Reed with the Distinguished Service Medal.

Both Daugherty and Reed praised the partnership between the military and the state Elections Division.  Daugherty said his daughter had been stationed in Iraq and was able to vote her ballot with great ease.

In July, Secretary Reed received a special medallion and commendation from the U.S. Defense Department for his work in assisting military and overseas voters.  Pamela Mitchell, acting director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program at the Pentagon, did the honors.