VA to allow on-site voter registration

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs said it would open the door somewhat to voter registration drives at its nursing homes and rehab centers.

The agency said in a clarification of its policy that it would no longer ban registration drives but would allow local government officials and non-partisan organizations to handle the sign-ups.

To ensure patient treatment isn't disrupted registration agencies will also have to make arrangements with VA administrators before showing up.

"We have now established a uniform approach to helping those of our patients who need assistance to register and to vote," VA Secretary James Peake said in a written statement.

The New York Times said Tuesday that veterans could be an important voting bloc in the November U.S. presidential elections in which the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the treatment of a new wave of veterans could be major campaign issues.