Va volunteers help community living center veterans cast their absentee ballots, ensuring every voice is heard | va syracuse health care | veterans affairs

In a dedicated effort to empower Veterans to participate in the democratic process, volunteers at the Syracuse VA Medical Center are assisting Community Living Center (CLC) residents with

completing their absentee ballots Among those benefiting is John Hilpl, a U.S. Navy Veteran from Dexter, NY, who served as an aircrewman on the USS Valley Forge and now resides at the CLC. 

While all CLC residents are informed about voter registration upon admission, federal guidelines prevent VA staff from directly assisting with ballot completion. This is where volunteers

like Sharon West, who has dedicated over 16 years to the VA, play an essential role. Volunteers like Sharon take time to help Veterans complete their ballots, reading aloud when needed and

ensuring each vote is cast accurately and confidentially. Volunteers sign each ballot, certifying that they provided assistance without influencing voting choice.  Mr. Hilpl, who has voted

in every election since becoming eligible, reflects on the importance of voting: “I have eight children and 14 great-grandchildren. I care deeply about their future, and to me, voting is a

way to preserve our way of life for them.” Thanks to volunteers, Veterans like Mr. Hilpl can continue to make their voices heard, upholding their commitment to democracy.