HOW TO VOTE WHEN DEPLOYED: ENSURE YOUR BALLOT COUNTS
The presidential election year has begun, and now is the time for you to apply for absentee votes for the primary, general, and special elections. Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), you may cast an absentee ballot for deployed military if you are an active member of the country’s uniformed services. This also applies to the spouse or dependent of active duty members.
You have the right to vote in these elections if you are an American citizen and are at least eighteen years old. This is the time for you to choose who best represents your beliefs and who you think can lead the country efficiently. Here are the steps and the information you need on how to vote when deployed.
5 Steps on How to Vote When Deployed
Every vote counts, and it is your responsibility to do so, even if you are a thousand miles away from your country. Here are simple steps to take so that you can vote in this year’s upcoming election:
- Fill Out the Federal Postcard Application: The Federal Voting Assistance Program promotes using the FPCA so that you can update your contact details, seek an absentee ballot for deployed military, and register to vote. You can download a PDF version, get a hard copy from your voting assistance officer, or fill it out online.
- Visit the Vote.Gov Website: For additional information on the voting process, active-duty military personnel can visit vote.gov to get the latest information on the election.
- Seal the FPCA and Mail It to Your Local Election Office: Your local election office is the county you have chosen as your home. Most states accept the FPCA by email or fax, while others demand that it be sent by mail. Your election office's phone number, email address, and mailing address are all available online. If you don’t know it, you can request the contact details from your voting assistance officer.
- Receive Your Absentee Ballot: You will receive a blank ballot from election officials after your FPCA has been processed. You can also ask to have your ballot sent to you via email under Section 5 of the FPCA.
- Vote, Sign, and Send the Ballot Back: Return your ballot to your state before the deadline after casting and signing it. Many states accept the ballot by email or fax, while some require that it be sent by mail. Make sure that you check the requirements with your local election office to avoid any issues.
How to Handle Voting Issues
Deployed military voting issues can be a big problem if left unresolved. Here is some crucial information to help if you're having problems, such as not receiving your ballot on time, not having all the requirements to vote, or not knowing your deadlines.
- Getting an Emergency Backup Ballot: You can request an SF 186 Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) from the voting assistance officer if your state ballot is delayed and the day of your schedule is approaching. You can also fill it out online. This is acceptable in every state for federal elections.
- Be Aware of Your State's Deadlines: The deadlines for requesting and returning ballots vary by state. Check the dates in your state by visiting FVAP.gov and follow the recommended timelines and state-specific policies so that your vote will be counted.
- Send in an FPCA Annually: You can cast a ballot in every election if you update your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) every year, even if you move stations. Updating your FPCA is very important, so make sure that you can do this annually.
Deployed military personnel can get their answers on the FVAP website. The goal of FVAP is to guarantee you and your eligible family members know how to vote when deployed and have all the necessary information to get your ballots. You can also call 800-438-VOTE (8683) for more details.
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