Name of the Organization : Federal Voting Assistance Program
Type of Facility : Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) Absentee Voting
Country : United States of America
Website : http://www.fvap.gov/military-voter/overview
Absentee Voting :
Getting Started with the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA):
Most States require you to complete an absentee ballot application to start the absentee voting process.
Related : Maryland Voter Registration & Absentee Ballot Request : www.statusin.org/7971.html
FVAP encourages the use of the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to start the absentee voting process as it is standardized for use across all States and will extend your eligibility to receive a ballot for all Federal elections in which you are eligible. The FPCA acts as both a registration and absentee ballot request form. FVAP encourages our military voters to submit a new FPCA every year and when they move.
It only takes a few quick steps to make sure your vote is counted no matter where you are in the world. The FPCA can be easily completed by using the FPCA online assistant, filling out the PDF or picking up a hardcopy version from your unit voting assistance officer.
** Complete and sign the FPCA using your State’s instructions.
** Fold and seal your FPCA. If using the online FPCA, print, sign and put it in an envelope. You qualify for free postage if you use the approved envelope template.
** Address and mail the FPCA to your local election official. Be sure to include your return address, and affix postage if using a foreign postal service.
Pressed for time? Download the FPCA now and take it with you.
How long will my ballot take to get my local election official?:
Military Postal Service Agency (MPSA) distributes estimated mail delivery times each election cycle. Below are the most recent published recommended mailing dates by location:
Haven’t Received Your Ballot?:
If you have not received a ballot from your State at least 30 days before the election, you may be eligible to vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). The FWAB is a write-in backup ballot that can be completed for any Federal election. The backup FWAB can be easily completed by using the FWAB online assistant, filling out the PDF or picking up a hardcopy version from your unit voting assistance officer. The assistants will guide you through the questions on the form and produce a printable form for you and will also provide a postage-paid envelope so you don’t have to worry about finding stamps!
** Complete and sign the FWAB’s Voter Declaration/Affirmation using your State’s instructions. Find your state’s instructions here.
** Vote the ballot by writing in a candidate or party name. Detach the ballot from the security envelope, fold it, insert it into the security envelope, and seal. If using the online FWAB, use a separate blank envelope and write “Security Envelope” on it.
** Fold and place the completed Voter Declaration/Affirmation and the sealed security envelope into the accompanying “Mailing Envelope.” Seal. If using the online FWAB, use your own envelope as the Mailing Envelope. You may print postage paid insignia on your envelope by using the envelope template available here.
** Address and mail the FWAB to your local election official. Be sure to include your return address, and affix postage if using a foreign postal service.
UOCAVA Voting Process:
UOCAVA citizens are U.S. citizens who are active members of the Uniformed Services, the Merchant Marines, and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, their eligible family members, and U.S. citizens residing outside the United States.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program supports UOCAVA citizens and election officials by providing necessary absentee voting forms, materials and training guidance.
Voting Assistance for Military Voters:
Uniformed Service members and their eligible family members stationed outside their voting jurisdiction (CONUS or OCONUS) can find information on how to exercise their right to vote.
FVAP aims to make the absentee voting experience as easy as possible with straight-forward online assistants and answers to frequently asked questions. Regardless of where you are stationed, it is important to note there are offices, people and resources available to assist you when applying to register to vote and voting absentee.
Service Information:
Each Service provides extensive voting assistance starting at the unit level. Assistance with any portion of the absentee voting process can be obtained by contacting your IVA Office. Service specific voting information can be found by contacting your Service Voting Action Officer