From The Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — Secretary of State John Merrill joined representatives with Alabama Farmers Federation and ALFA Insurance on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, to honor veterans.
The Vote to Honor a Veteran initiative will give Alabamians the opportunity to express their appreciation to veterans through voting in honor of a veteran.
“Alabama is home to more than 380,000 veterans,” said Merill. “These brave Americans have defended our right to vote and I am thrilled to offer Alabamians the opportunity to pay a public tribute to a veteran or active duty service member through offering this online portal to submit testimonials.”
Secretary Merrill was joined by Mark Kelley of Election Systems & Software, Lieutenant Colonel Iris Hurd-Hunter, Tamara Cofield, ALFA and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Sergeant Major Harold Jones, and Mylinda Jones Brown, for the introduction of the initiative.
Beginning Nov. 3, voters in the state will have the opportunity to select a new sticker expressing support for veterans after casting their ballot.
Alabamians will also be able to submit testimonials in support of a veteran. Those who do so will be sent a lapel pin and a bumper sticker.
The Alabama Farmers Federation and ALFA Insurance helped the Secretary of State’s Office make the project possible through resources and assistance, according to Merrill.
The Election Systems & Software’s Birmingham office also helped make the initiative possible by providing the stickers.