The Signature
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Voting While Overseas By MC1 Kegan E. Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs
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eing stationed or deployed overseas can be both rewarding and challenging. Staying connected and informed regarding policies and issues back home can be one those challenges; however, even while overseas, U.S. citizens can make sure their voices are heard through absentee voting while overseas. The Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act pertains to and safeguards voting rights for U.S. citizen who are 18 years or older and are active duty service members of the Uniformed Services, Merchant Marine, or commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; their eligible family members; and U.S. citizen residing outside the United States. According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), the first step is to submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which is a standardized application used across all states. The FPCA is used as both as a voter registration form and absentee ballot request form and will extend a person’s eligibility to receive a ballot for all federal elections for at least one calendar year. Information regarding elections, both federal and state, are released to commands through the command Voting Assistance Officer(s) (VAO)
who are responsible for ensuring all military members, U.S. citizens working overseas, and their dependents have all the tools necessary to exercise their right to vote. Their duties also include getting the word out and encouraging everyone to vote. “We, as VAOs, cannot do it for you,” said Lt. Timothy Martin, Naval Air Station Sigonella VAO. “Everyone must be proactive to ensure they can vote. We are here to assist in any way we can, but only assist. We cannot fill out the forms for you.” Which elections a person is eligible to vote in is based on their voting residence within their state of legal residence. FVAP.gov describes voting residence as “the address that you consider your permanent home and where you had a physical presence. Your state of legal residence is used for state income tax purposes, determines eligibility to vote for federal and state elections and qualification for in-state tuition rates.” “If you aren’t already registered, do it now,” encourages Martin. “I have put out that August 1st was the date to register by but it’s not too late. Register now or you will not be able to request an absentee ballot.” Ba
From (Your name and current complete military or overseas mailing address)
U.S. Postage Paid 39 USC 3406
PAR AVION International airmail postage is required if not mailed in the U.S. Postal Service, APO/FPO system, or diplomatic pouch.
Ballot Enclosed for __________ Election. (MM/YY)
OFFICIAL ABSENTEE BALLOTING MATERIAL – FIRST CLASS MAIL NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IN THE U.S. MAIL – DMM 703.8.0
To (Your local election office in the United States. Check your State’s pages in the Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov for contact information.)
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Alab only
