Compromise Reached On Servicemen’s Vote Bill

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 3

Compromise Reached On Servicemen’s Vote Bill

WASHINGTON, March 16,

The House by 273 votes to HI, completed legislative action on the controversial Servicemen's Vote Bilj which represents a compromise between the “States Rights’ Bill" and the Administration's uniform Federal Ballot. President Roosevelt, who termed the earlier legislation a “fraud upon the American people," may veto the compromise. Administration leaders predicted that the veto could bo sustained in view of the close Senate vote yesterday. 47-31. The compromise retains most of the features of the States Rights’ Bill and restricts the use of the Federal Ballot to servicemen overseas who fail to receive a State ballot paper by October 1, 1944. Servicemen stationed in the United States cannot use the Federal ballot. The bill also places restrictions on distribution of political material to servicemen. The United Press gays that President Roosevelt telegraphed ail State Governors asking whether supplemental Federal ballots, provided under the new Bill would be acceptable under Stale laws. The Associated Press says that President Roosevelt indicated that the veto decision depends on whether more servicemen can vote under it than under the existing laws. President Roosevelt’s telegram also asked Governors whether steps would be taken to authorise the use of supplementary ballots if State laws do not now do so. * •