Letter: Bosnian refugees entitled to vote absentee in homeland elections

Monday, May 5, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

All persons,18 years of age or older, listed in the 1991 census for Bosnia and Herzegovina are eligible. This includes refugees and people displaced by the conflict who have the right to vote in their original place of residence.

Refugees account for about one-quarter of the Bosnian electorate. Absentee voting programs are one way to enfranchise refugees and enhance the likelihood of successful elections.

The League of Women Voters Education Fund has been designated the official organization to implement the Out-of-Country Voting program in the United States.

For more information or to obtain registration forms, prospective voters may call (800) 922-6762, or fax a request to (202) 463-3692 immediately. The forms will also be available at some local libraries.

The League of Women Voters Education Fund assures all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina that any information they [provide to that office will be kept strictly confidential. Names will not be released to the governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina or to the government of the United States, the media or other entities. We have been assured by the Department of State that the status of refugees or displaced persons in the United States will not be jeopardized by voting in this election.

Registration for the municipal elections begins Monday and ends on June 7. It is important to note that any Bosnian citizens who voted in the last election must still reregister for the municipal elections.

Margaret Quinn, president, League of Women Voters of Nevada