Federal Voting Assistance Program
NEW VOTER REGISTRATION AND BALLOT REQUEST NOW AVAILABLE
Updated State Requirements Also Available
October 20, 2011 — Arlington, Va. – The online electronic version of the revised Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) is available now at FVAP.gov. The FPCA registers and requests ballots for voters simultaneously. Voters can visit FVAP.gov to use the online wizard or access the PDF fillable forms. The FPCA is a standard form accepted by all 55 States and Territories for uniformed and civilian overseas voters to apply for an absentee ballot. The length of time the FPCA is valid and its completion requirements vary by State so be sure to refer to the FVAP.gov web portal or the 2012-2013 Voting Assistance Guide.
The revised FPCA is wholly compliant with provisions of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, as amended by the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act in 2009, containing space for the required information but structured in a more logical and usable flow. FVAP conducted a series of usability assessments with the previous form resulting in substantial improvements using many established best practices for election-related forms.
Previous versions of the form can be used by voters; however, be sure to use the current state information from FVAP.gov to ensure your local election official receives all the information required to register you and send you ballot to you. Voting Assistance Officers should send voters to FVAP.gov whenever possible and go through proper channels to obtain hardcopy forms. Overseas citizens groups should also stress using the online wizards to simplify form completion, but can contact FVAP directly to acquire hardcopy forms.
Voters should apply for absentee ballots in January of each year or at least 90 days before the specific election in which they want to vote. If your mailing address changes, especially between the Primary and General Elections, you will need to send in an updated FPCA.
A complete 2012 election calendar is available here.
All States and territories are required to send ballots at least 45 days before an election. If you have not received your ballot 30 days before the election, go to the FVAP.gov web portal to see if your State has an online ballot delivery system. If not, you can use the back-up write-in ballot wizard also on the FVAP.gov web portal.
Additionally, the 2012-2013 Voting Assistance Guide is now available at FVAP.gov. This compilation of absentee voting regulations, laws, deadlines, and procedures reflects the States’ changes and deadlines for the upcoming elections. An addendum to the guide providing Voting Assistance Officers with steps to offering voting assistance required by Wounded Warriors and other voters with disabilities will be available at FVAP.gov next month.
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If you’d like more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program or need help with the absentee voting process please go to www.FVAP.gov or contact the FVAP at 703-588-1584 (toll free 1-800-438-VOTE) or email the program at VOTE@FVAP.GOV. And don’t forget to "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoDFVAP and follow @FVAP on Twitter to receive timely election information.
