Americans in Bermuda: Act Now to Vote Absentee

The US Department of State has sent Chief Voting Action Officer Jack Markey to Bermuda to encourage expatriate Americans to prepare for voting in US elections.  He conducted a workshop on the overseas voting process for American expatriates, designed especially for community leaders who can help spread the word about absentee voting.  The message:  REGISTER EARLY.

Mr. Markey’s visit is on behalf of the Federal Voting Assistance Program.  It is a US Government program that helps the millions of US Americans abroad understand the US voting process and encourages participation in US elections.  US citizens residing outside the US are eligible to participate in US elections by absentee ballot using a vote-by-mail process.  Many states allow voters to use fax instead of mail, and a few are allowing use of e-mail.

Elections in the US are not run by the federal government, but by state and local governments.  Each US state has its own rules and deadlines for voting.  The Consulate urges voters to check the official US Government website, www.fvap.gov to learn about their state’s voter eligibility requirements, procedures and deadlines, and to request ballots now so they can vote in elections throughout the year.

Voting Assistance Officers at the Consulate and voting volunteers in the American community are available to provide forms and answer questions.  American citizens in Bermuda can contact the US Consulate in person or by e-mail at votehamilton@state.gov.  Information is also available on the Consulate’s website http://hamilton.usconsulate.gov
Background:

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) covers the voting rights of citizens residing outside the United States. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) carries out the responsibilities of the Act by informing and educating U.S. citizens worldwide of their right to vote, fostering voting participation, and protecting and enhancing the electoral process at the federal, state and local levels.
Elections in the United States are run by state and localities.  The procedures and deadlines to vote vary from state to state. Overseas voters can vote by absentee ballot using a vote-by-mail process.  Some states allow faxing, and a few now allow some use of e-mail.

Can American citizens register or vote in person at the U.S. Consulate?
No.  There are no provisions for registering and voting at the U.S. Consulate.  However, U.S. Consulate and consular officials will assist U.S. citizens to complete the registration form they need to send to election officials in the United States.  They will also help overseas Americans send in their voted ballots. 

In what elections can overseas Americans vote?
Generally, all U.S. citizens 18 years or older residing outside the United States during an election period are eligible to vote by absentee ballot in any election for Federal office.  Some states allow participation in state and local elections.

How do I register to vote, or apply for an absentee ballot?
The United States has a vote-by-mail process.  Overseas voters register to vote and request absentee ballots by completing a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and sending it to election officials in their home state.  The card is available from the U.S. Consulate, various U.S. citizens groups, and on-line at www.fvap.gov.

I would like to vote but don't know how.  Where can I find assistance?
Information on registering and applying for an absentee ballot is available in the Voting Assistance Guide.  Voting Assistance Officers at each U.S. embassy or consulate have a copy of the Guide, and it is available on line at www.fvap.gov.  U.S. citizen organizations overseas and many corporate offices of U.S. companies also have copies of the Guide available.

Do I have to be registered to vote absentee? Yes. 

When is the best time to apply for an absentee ballot?
Send in an FPCA every year, and as early in the year as possible, to be sure to receive all ballots for which you are eligible.  Send in a new FPCA whenever you move or change your name.

When should I expect to receive my ballot?  What do I do if it is delayed?
Most states and territories begin mailing out ballots 30-45 days before an election. If you have not received your ballot three weeks before the election, contact your local election officials to check the status of your ballot.  There is an emergency ballot - the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, or FWAB.  If time is getting short, overseas Americans can get one from the Consulate or download it from the Internet, complete it, and send it to local election officials to meet their state’s ballot receipt deadline.

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