How To Complete The FPCA (SF, 76, revised 2005 Version)
To access online FPCA: www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.html
WRITE LEGIBLY! -- If the authorities can't read it, they won't send you a ballot.
Consult instructions in Chapter Three of the Voting Assistance Guide for the state in which you will be voting. (Can be accessed at www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/vagchapter3.html)
Note specifically:
Where to send it, end of Section IV. (Titles for the registrar may differ in some locations.)
Sample Federal Post Card Application form, reproduced at the beginning of each state's section. On your own FPCA, fill in the information indicated by the shaded areas, following the instructions written below and cross-referenced with circled letters. In addition, note the following:
- Item 1: check box (c) A U.S. Citizen residing outside the U.S. indefinitely - this is so you only receive a Federal ballot to maintain tax status. If you still own property and pay local taxes you might check box (b) so you can vote on all local and state issues.
- Item 4: This is the address to which your ballot is to be sent. It must be an overseas address for "overseas citizens". (APO/FPO is all right, but do not use a U.S. forwarding address.) We suggest you precede your postal code by the country letter code. Also please note item c. I prefer to receive my absentee Ballot….. Only as permitted by State. Check the individual state regulations in Chapter 3.
- Item 5: You must indicate your political preference only if you wish to vote in Primary elections.
- Item 6: Use this section to give more information
- Item 7: Be sure to sign! (In front of the notary/witness if your state requires this)
How, When and Where to Send the Completed FPCA - Possible Use of Electronic Transmission of Election Materials (Faxing)
The completed FPCA must be sent to your Local Election District by post. The address can be found under your State, in the Voting Assistance Guide (VAG), Chapter III. If mailing from outside the USA, please be sure to put USA under the Local Election District mailing address. If mailed via a U.S. postal facility, no stamps are required. Otherwise, proper local postage must be affixed.
The FPCA must arrive at least 30 days before Election Day; 45 days is preferable. If you are running short of time, certain states accept the faxing of some or all of the materials that must be transmitted between electors and their election district in order to vote. To determine what your state permits, either consult your state's instructions in the VAG, or check out the "Chart of State and Territory Policies Concerning Electronic Transmission of Election Materials" under "Voting Assistance Information" on the website of the FVAP, www.fvap.gov/vao/etschart.html.
General instructions, a sample transmission sheet - to be photocopied
and used for faxing - and toll-free fax numbers can be found in
Appendix C and inside the back cover of the Voting Assistance Guide as
well as at www.fvap.gov/services/faxing.html
If you transmit your completed FPCA by FAX because of time constraints, you must also send a hard copy to your local election district by post.