Materials and Resources-2006
The following resources are issued by the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). Their address: FVAP, Department of Defense, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-1155; E-mail: ; Website: http://www.fvap.gov, where all information is also accessible. All FAWCO Reps and Voting Assistance Volunteers should ask to be put on their distribution list.
1. Voting Assistance Guide (VAG)
This is the primary source of instruction and information, reedited every two years. Be familiar with its contents, learn the basics, and know where to look for the answers.
Chapter II: Study carefully, highlighting important information, such as reference to the legal provision that voting from overseas will not affect a person's tax liability in any jurisdiction.
Chapter III: Instructions for each state, to be used to help applicants.
* Note special section pertinent to "Civilians Outside U.S.
" Do not confuse with instructions specific to the military.
* Note also the difference between citizens temporarily outside the US - i.e., only overseas on a trip, or temporary assignment, with main home still in the US - and those overseas for an indeterminate period, who vote under the Federal legislation mentioned elsewhere (The UOCAVA).
* Don't confuse the "FWAB" (see below) with the special state write-in ballots available for military and sometimes civilians expecting to be in a remote area at election time. Appendices: Know what is there: Lists of primaries; Faxing possibilities; Text of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) - note SEC.106 re taxes; Section on state tax policies (useful for applicants who wish to vote in state and local elections as well as federal); Definitions.
2. The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
Although earlier versions are accepted, it is strongly recommended that the "(Form 76, revised 10-2005)" version be used. This is the one referred to in the instructions for each state. Or you must cross-reference.
General instructions for completing are in Chapter II of the VAG.
Note that
* "c." is the box to check under question (1.) to avoid possible tax implications. This means that the voter is applying under the UOCAVA and only expects to vote in federal elections. All of the above is explained in the fine print on the FPCA itself, but rarely does an applicant study this!
* the request for information on race (2.d.) is there because certain states are required by federal law to report this information. It is not obligatory to respond.
* the address given for "4. Mail absentee ballot to:" should be an overseas address or APO, not a forwarding address in the States, which could confuse the local election officials, and prevents the voter from using the FWAB.
3. The Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB)
Instructions for the use of the FWAB are in Chapter II of the VAG. It is a back-up ballot, to be used if the voter has requested a ballot in a correct and timely fashion, but not received it in time to vote. "Just-in-case" copies can be given to applicants when they complete the FPCA; or distributed upon request towards the third week of October. Although states are required by law to accept a FWAB for federal office in general elections, many have expanded the use of the FWAB. For those states allowing distribution of ballots by FAX (and eventually perhaps by internet!), it is suggested that the envelope for the FWAB be used to return the ballot by post.
4. Voting Information News (VIN)
Monthly newsletter edited by the FVAP which is a great tool. It contains timely information, guidelines, and articles that can be freely used verbatim. In March 1995 this FAWCO committee distributed a collection of past articles that can be used - updating where necessary - as articles for club bulletins. All VINs received should be kept, or clipped, for future use. You may request them by post or email, and they are posted on the FVAP website: http://www.fvap.gov.
5. Voting Information News Releases
When news warrants, these are distributed by email and posted on the FVAP website. We should pay particular attention to those concerning federal elections. They cover changes and/or corrections in the VAG (be sure to note these in your book); new state information; and general information on the elections.
6. Motivational materials
Pamphlets and posters, etc.
7. Direct telephone communication with the FVAP
* Ombudsman service (see VAG Chap.I). Toll-free numbers from 50 countries listed on the VAG website at http://www.fvap.gov,. They are also listed inside the back cover of the VAG, and periodically in an issue of VIN.
* DoD Voting Information Center (VIC) (see VAG, Chap.I) provides a link with the candidates and election officials.
In addition, the FAWCO Voting-from-Overseas Committee distributes timely memos, guidelines, charts and articles which are included with mailings from FAWCO headquarters, sent directly, or distributed at conferences. They may also be posted on the FAWCO website. A workshop for the training of "Voting Assistance Officers" is offered at the Interim Conference.
Chair FAWCO Voting-from-Overseas Committee
revised 03-2006 by lgc