According to FVAP.GOV, overseas voters should vote absentee now to ensure on-time receipt. Absentee ballot request forms are now available at the Union. You can also complete the form online, but you will have to print and sign the form, so picking it up from the Union would save you from printing. The forms fold and self-adhere into their own envelopes, and are postage-paid if sent via the US Embassy in London. Given the nearness to the election, we advise you to act quickly.
It is essential for overseas civilian and military voters to return their voted absentee ballots as soon as they are received to ensure timely receipt at the election office. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) encourages military members, their families and overseas citizens to take recommended steps to return their ballots by their state’s deadline.
“The UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) voting process was designed to reduce obstacles for military and overseas voters,” FVAP Director David Beirne said. “We know the COVID-19 pandemic has created additional concerns for overseas voters about receiving and returning their voted ballots on time, and there are several ways to do both as quickly as possible. FVAP.gov has all the information.”
There is still time to register and request an absentee ballot. Voters can check their state registration and ballot request deadlines (these are different in many states) at FVAP.gov and use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) for both. Every state allows the blank ballot to be sent electronically upon request.
Vote now. Vote your absentee ballot as soon as you get it, and be sure to sign the package as indicated when returning it.
Send ballots electronically, if allowed by state law. To save time, voters can check if their state accepts completed absentee ballots by email, fax or via an online portal.
Navigate potential COVID-19 mail delays. Voters can check if their country has mail disruptions. Military members can use their Military Post Office, and overseas citizens can check with their nearest embassy or consulate to use the diplomatic pouch.
Make sure the ballot was received. Voters can select their state and click "Check the status of your voted ballot."
If a requested ballot has not arrived, use the backup ballot. If there isn't enough time to receive and send back your requested ballot before your state's ballot return deadline, use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). It works like a backup ballot. If your official absentee ballot arrives after sending in the FWAB, fill out and send in the official ballot, too. Only one will be counted.
For additional information, visit FVAP.gov, email vote@fvap.gov or call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683)/ DSN at (425) 1584 (CONUS)/(312) 425-1584 (OCONUS). Visit their COVID-19 page for other helpful information.
Federal Voting Assistance Program
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is a Department of Defense (DoD) organization that works to ensure Service members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so — from anywhere in the world.
FVAP assists voters through partnerships with the military services, Department of State, Department of Justice and election officials from the 50 states, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. State and local governments administer U.S. elections, including those for federal offices. FVAP supports state and local election officials by providing absentee voting information, materials, training and guidance.
Follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoDFVAP, @FVAP on Twitter and @fvapgov on Instagram.
