By Richard Eckstrom, S.C. Comptroller

Although there’s no way to adequately express our thanks to the men and women who have made sacrifices in defending our nation, South Carolinians have always believed in doing our part to return the favor. I dare say that nowhere in America – nowhere in the world – will you find more patriotic citizens than right here in South Carolina… people who understand that freedom comes at great cost, and who offer their gratitude and support to those who serve.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced legislation to protect the voting rights of Americans serving in the military, presenting a unique opportunity for state leaders to show that we know “supporting our troops” involves more than putting a ribbon on a car.

The South Carolina Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voters Act is designed to ensure that our deployed military men and women are granted the same opportunity to participate in the election process as everyone at home is. The Act was prompted by concerns over the 2008 Presidential election, in which thousands of overseas service members were denied a voice because their votes weren’t counted. (Based on a nationwide survey by the Congressional Research Service, more than one in four military or overseas ballots were returned as undeliverable, lost, or rejected for that election.)

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voters Act addresses the underlying causes of that alarming statistic. Among other things, it would:

— Allow absentee ballots to be transmitted by email to military and overseas voters for all federal, state and local elections to assure faster and more secure delivery;

— Provide that absentee ballots be sent to these voters at least 45 days prior to any election to provide ample turnaround time;

— Remove the requirement that a witness sign absentee ballots for military and overseas voters to assure that secret ballots will be guaranteed even when cast by email.

As chairman of the state’s Military Base Task Force — and as a Navy veteran who served oversees — I’ve always taken a special interest in issues that affect our men and women in uniform. They stand in our defense, and we should be willing to stand up for them. That certainly includes protecting their voting rights.

While we in South Carolina sometimes find ourselves divided along partisan or political lines, it’s important to show we can stand together in support of our state’s military personnel – and to express deep appreciation to those who serve our country. I applaud all those lawmakers who have attached their names to this bill (more are joining each day), and I look forward to the General Assembly passing it with an overwhelming vote.

We say we support our troops, and this is one way to match our words with deed.