Tens of thousands of Americans are resident in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations. Those Americans often view the world differently from their compatriots who have never lived outside the United States. In November the US will hold presidential elections. All Americans who are eligible to do so should register to vote so their voices will be heard.
Americans living abroad may register to vote through www.fvap.gov. To bring up complete instructions click on the “I want to vote!” heading located on the upper left side of the page. US government sources have advised that Sept. 11 is the last date for overseas citizens to mail requests for absentee ballots and be assured that the requests will be processed in time.
According to information from the US Federal Voting Assistance Program there are several things Americans should do to ensure their ballots are counted in November.
1. Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at www.fvap.gov for instructions on the absentee registration and voting process.
2. If needed contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for more information.
3. Apply for the absentee ballot early using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA may be downloaded and printed from the fvap.gov website or collected in hard copy from a US Embassy or Consulate. It must be mailed in to register as there is no online means for US voter registration.
4. Make sure your local election official has your current mailing address.
5. Sign and date all election materials.
6. Fulfill your State’s witness/notary requirements (if required).
7. Ensure that your ballot or FPCA is postmarked.
8. Register to vote and request your ballot in a timely manner — not later than September.
Then don’t forget to vote! After it arrives, don’t forget to fill out and mail your US Absentee Ballot not later than Oct. 15, 2004. Use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot if you are overseas and your State absentee ballot does not arrive in time to be mailed back by the State’s deadline.
