I am always gratified to live in the United States of America and have the ability to vote and be a part of this continuing participation of our country’s ideals and community desires.
While voting for my local school budget, local board of education candidates and library budget, I realized that there was really no mechanism for military/veteran balloters who are deployed or on temporary assignments outside of town to participate in this process.
And so I had questions and discussion with Lars Clemensen, superintendent of Hampton Bays School District, and Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., who represents our district in New York State. There was no mechanism or procedure in place for these men and women who are out there somewhere defending our freedoms.
Through the efforts of good government, our assemblyman introduced new legislation to provide military voters the opportunity to vote in school district elections, including the election of members of the board of education and school district public library trustees and the adoption of the annual budget. It was signed into law by the governor on November 11 (Veteran’s Day). This law section is A.7293.
Our government by and for the people does work, but only if we participate. Voting is one of our sacred rights, and I thank Assemblyman Fred Thiele for his attention and work on this important legislation.
William Hughes
Hampton Bays
Mr. Hughes is commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5350 in Westhampton Beach — Ed.
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