American expats have little over a month to make sure they are registered to vote in the US Midterm election on 7 November. The non-partisan, non-profit Overseas Vote Foundation tells you what you need to do to make sure your voice is heard.

The deadline for expat voters to register for the US Midterm election is close

The US Midterm Election is nearing: as of 24 August, you'll only have about 45 days left for your completed overseas voter registration form to arrive in your jurisdiction as most states require your overseas voter registration form 30 days in advance of Election Day (Tuesday, November 7, 2006).  

Here are the Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions the Overseas Vote Foundation receives from voters.

1.      What is the registration deadline in my state?

Check the OVF's state-by-state listing of 2006 Voter Registration Deadlines (see link at the foot of the page).  The list gives the day by which your completed form must arrive.

2.      How do I register to vote from overseas?

Go to RAVA - Registration and Absentee Voter Application – provided online by the Overseas Vote Foundation.

3.      How long can I wait to register from overseas?

Overseas registrations often need more time for processing.  Remember, your ballot must be sent to you in time for you to complete and return it.  Build in some buffer time.

4.      How do I confirm that I am still registered to vote?

Go to the OVF Election Official Directory lookup service.  Call or email your local election office back in your hometown to request a confirmation.

Coming soon: the Can I Vote? website -- although designed for domestic voters, its list of states and counties that provide online registration checks is a resource which overseas voters can also use.

5.      If I voted in the U.S. in the last election, am I still registered?

Make no assumptions. If you registered from overseas before, it is recommended that you register again to be on the safe side. 

If you just moved abroad, you must "register from overseas" and provide your election official with your new address overseas. It's easy to do: just go online to RAVA - Registration and Absentee Voter Application – and you will be prompted for the required information for your particular state and to print, sign and mail the RAVA-generated form to the election office address provided. Your ballot will be sent to your new address!

6.      I received my ballot for the 2006 Primaries – do I still need to re-register?

If you received a ballot for the Primaries, then you are already registered for the November 2006 General Election.  No need to register again this year.

7.      Where can I find answers to more detailed voting questions?

A complete FAQ is available through Overseas Vote Foundation.  Click the FAQ link along the footer of any RAVA registration page.

8.      I have another question – who do I ask?

The OVF Voter Help Desk is the place to go with your voting questions.

9.      Where do I go for candidate information?

Nonpartisan organizations that offer candidate information include Project Vote Smart and The League of Women Voters through their voter guides.

10.  How do I let others know about Overseas Vote Foundation and RAVA for registration?

The OVF Tell-a-Friend service makes it easy to inform friends about the possibility to register to vote from overseas with online assistance. 

 

See www.overseasvotefoundation.org for more information.

24 August 2006

Copyright Overseas Vote Foundation with Expatica 2006

Subject: US Midterm election 2006, Overseas Vote Foundation, American expats, voting, election