For overseas voters, the 2012 election is under way

To ensure your voice is heard in the 2012 US election, you have just a few tasks left:

o  to vote and return your ballot

o  (if your ballot hasn’t arrived) to vote and return a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB); or

o  to register or request an absentee ballot (if your state will accept it).

Check the FAWCO voter web site here to do a FWAB, to get information on your state deadlines and to request help. You can also send questions by e-mail ().

Be sure you seize your chance to help decide our country’s future - read more for specifics!

Vote and return your ballot

Every US citizen who requested an absentee ballot and selected the fax or e-mail delivery option should have it by now. Vote your ballot (carefully following all the instructions) and return it promptly, to ensure your vote will count.

You can return your ballot by mail; registered mail is recommended. If time is tight, you may want to use a private courier service (e.g. FedEx, UPS or DHL) to meet your state's ballot receipt deadline. Some states allow you to return your ballot e-mail, fax or upload, but may also require you to still mail in the signed paper ballot. Check our web site here to be sure of your options.

If your ballot hasn’t arrived

Use the FWAB. Go to our web site here and follow the instructions for voting and returning the FWAB. If your regular absentee ballot arrives afterwards, don’t worry; just vote and return it right away. Local election officials will count just one ballot per voter, and will use your regular ballot if it is received by your state’s ballot receipt deadline. Mail the FWAB in the same was as a regular ballot; some states allow you to e-mail or fax it.

Forgot to register or request an absentee ballot? Act now!

Some state registration deadlines have passed, but voters can always try. Here are three options.

1. Register and request a ballot today using our web site here. Select the electronic ballot delivery option, include your e-mail address (and fax number) and send it to local election officials in your state. If it is not too late to register, once your application is processed, they will send you your ballot via fax or e-mail (depending on your state). Vote as soon as you receive the blank ballot. Registration deadlines vary and some were as early as October 7, so check your state’s requirements carefully.
2. Follow the instructions in Option 1, but also complete and send in a FWAB at the same time, to make sure your vote is counted. This option may be the best one for first-time voters if your state requires you to submit your Federal Post Card Application by mail. Vote and submit your regular absentee ballot if/when it arrives. Local election officials will count just one ballot per voter, and will use your regular ballot if it is received by your state’s ballot receipt deadline.
3. Voters from some states can use the FWAB as a combined voter registration form, absentee ballot request, and absentee ballot: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. (Note: This form must reach your local election officials by your state's absentee ballot request deadline or voter registration deadline, whichever is first.)

Returning your FWAB by e-mail or fax

The following states allow voters to e-mail or fax their signed, voted FWABs to local election officials: Arizona, California (fax only), Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia. (Note:  see instructions on our web site here)