Voting assistance program afi

This applies to overseas citizens even though you may not have property or other ties in your last state of residence and your intent to return to that state may be uncertain. That address determines your proper voting jurisdiction. Some states allow children of U. Check out our list of states allowing this. How do I register to vote, or apply for an absentee ballot? You may register and request an absentee ballot with a single form: The Federal Post Card Application.

This application form is accepted by all states and territories and is postage- paid in the U. Hard copies of the form can be obtained from a U. The online version of the form must be mailed in an envelope with proper postage, or mailed using our prepaid return envelope. Can I register or vote in-person at the embassy or consulate?

There are no provisions for in-person voting or on-site registration at U. You may mail election materials from U. Remember to make sure that all election material is postmarked.

You can vote absentee in local, state and Federal elections if you are a U. Where is my "legal voting residence"? For voting purposes, "legal voting residence" can be the state or territory where you last resided prior to entering military service OR the state or territory that you have since claimed as your legal residence.

Even though you may no longer maintain formal ties to that residence, the address determines your proper voting jurisdiction. To claim a new legal residence, you must have simultaneous physical presence and the intent to return to that location as your primary residence.

Military and their family members may change their legal residence every time they change permanent duty stations, or they may retain their legal residence without change. A Judge Advocate General officer or legal counsel should be consulted before legal residence is changed because there are usually other factors that should be considered besides voting.

My family members are not in the military; can they also vote absentee? The Department of the Air Force Voting Assistance Program AFVAP works to ensure Airmen, Guardians, eligible family members and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so from anywhere in the world.

The IVA Office provides Airmen, Guardians, their family members and all other voting age citizens with information and assistance on how to request an absentee ballot and vote absentee. To claim a new legal residence, one must have simultaneous physical presence and the intent to return to that location as the primary residence.

Military and family members can choose to change their legal residence every time they change permanent duty stations. Military members and their families can have different legal voting residences. A legal officer should be consulted before legal residence is changed because there are usually other factors, besides voting, that need to be considered. People such as property owners can claim residency even though they may no longer maintain formal ties to that former residence address.

All related paperwork should list the former address because it is needed to place people in a proper voting district, ward, precinct or parish. How to vote using an absentee ballot.

How do I vote by absentee ballot? Contact your installation voting assistance officer for more information. Where do I get the form? How do I complete and send the form? Information on applying for absentee registration and a ballot is available in the Voting Assistance Guide. Voting Assistance Officers assigned to units at military installations and at each U.

Chapter 3 of the Guide outlines absentee voting procedures for each state and territory. Complete the FPCA according to the requirements for your state or territory of legal voting residence.

In section IV under the heading of "Where to Send It" you will find a list of addresses for county and local election officials. When is the best time to apply for an absentee ballot? Generally, the FPCA used only to request a ballot should be received by election officials at least 45 days before Election Day to allow ample time to process the request and mail the ballot.