Originally Posted by MrPVRd

...Although, hopefully, the message is out and action is in hand.

It is now, MrPVRd. Special registration forms are to be printed for distribution through units. The idea is that everybody in the relevant bde will have access to a paper copy, but more can be printed off if required.

Like the normal armed forces registration form, the special form will include options to request a postal or proxy vote. When the form becomes available, people will be able to use it even if they are already registered - and definitely should use it if they want to vote by post while in Afg.

Excellent news and a splendid result - well done!

Armed services voting just raised at PMQ's

I think this is a ridiculous state of affairs. Many countries in the world have provision for citizens overseas to vote in embassies. Yes Britian, being one of the most powerful countries in the world cannot manage to swing that.

I fail to see why there cannot be polling booths set up in major operational theatres in the world and in Germany where votes can be cast, received via the post and counted. The results of the count can then be broadcast over satellite phones/email to the various returning officers in the UK. It doesn't seem to be rocket science and is wholly doable. If the argument against this is cost, then the answer to that must surely be that this is a cost worth bearing. As well, the polling booth can also be open to other british expats in say germany who might wish to either vote in person or by post as well. That will help to lower the cost benefit ratio of such a scheme.

The cost benefit ratio can further be lowered if, as has been suggested, service voters can vote for any MP in any constituency.

Originally Posted by Office_Linebacker

Armed services voting just raised at PMQ's

Telegraph: Gordon Brown asked for assurances that soldiers overseas can vote in the General Election

Those who are likely to be in Afghanistan during the General Election (still widely forecast for May 6) will be hearing through units about the special arrangements for those preferring to vote by post, rather than by proxy. BAFF supports the arrangements - as being the best which can be done within the time available - and is monitoring and will have more to say on the subject.

How will the Armed Forces deal with the Census which is due to take place next year? Will the MoD make special arrangements for those personnel overseas and on tour to be recorded?

GBTD

Second question on Service Voting on Prime Minister's Questions on 10 Mar 10. PMQs from BBC iPlayer

GBTD

l feel that the MOD could do much more in advertising and supporting / promoting soldiers as well as their families to vote.

Through the media that is available, making it much more accessible. Why can't the voting system be created online for operational overseas personel? Cuts down on the paperwork, very eco-friendly....

lf our outstanding troops are fighting for the women of Afhganistan to have equality, surely this government should make doublly certain that their own troops have an equal chance of a vote... Or doesn't NuLabour recognise that???

Please register to vote. Use it wisely, but please VOTE....

Originally Posted by Sir_General_Jackarson

l feel that the MOD could do much more in advertising and supporting / promoting soldiers as well as their families to vote.

Through the media that is available, making it much more accessible. Why can't the voting system be created online for operational overseas personel? Cuts down on the paperwork, very eco-friendly....

lf our outstanding troops are fighting for the women of Afhganistan to have equality, surely this government should make doublly certain that their own troops have an equal chance of a vote... Or doesn't NuLabour recognise that???

Please register to vote. Use it wisely, but please VOTE....

Well said in that last sentence.

The service voter registration form is available online, but you then need to print it off and send back in hard copy. For the future, some info on electronic voting at this link:

Electronic voting for service voters

On promoting electoral participation amongst service personnel and their families, I would be interested in any suggestions for more which could be done, but the information and promotion campaign is really miles better now than it was in the past. Much more info could run the risk of 'death by powerpoint'!

Another BAFF link:

Urgent: Are you registered to vote?

In the Art of the Possible:

1. The MoD know where Servicemen live - either in barracks, in quarters or out of camp. Perhaps they could direct a letter to them?
2. Email them on DII? Or as a workflow on JPA?
3. Put it on the bottom of pay slips?
4. Put it on orders?
5. Get a celeb in to say it's cool for Servicemen to vote?
6. Put it in the TACOS for new Servicemen to keep their voting address up to date?
7. The CoC (COs, OCs, BCs, Sqn Ldrs, Pl or Tp comds/SNCOs) could speak to every soldier and give them the form and make each soldier sign for it. After that, they have done all they can do and it's in the hands of the individual.

The MoD could do it very easily but it's whether they choose to do it.

Also how do soldiers in barracks complete the census forms? Are we the military not being represented again?

GBTD