VOTING ASSISTANCE GUIDE

Transcription

1 VOTING ASSISTANCE GUIDE For Uniformed Service Members, Their Families, And Overseas Citizens

2 Federal Voting Assistance Program (703) DSN: Fax: (703) DSN Fax: Toll-Free: VOTE (8683) Toll-Free Fax: (from U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands only) International toll-free phone and fax numbers (See Inside Back cover or Director, Federal Voting Assistance Program Department of Defense 1155 Defense Pentagon Washington, D.C Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn! Links available at Please do not send registration and absentee ballot request forms to this address. Refer to State instructions in Chapter 2 and find Local Election Office Addresses. Service and Department of State Voting Action Officers Please contact your Voting Assistance Officer. If you are unable to obtain information locally, contact the Voting Action Officer below. ARMY Voting Action Officer: Ms. Rachel GiIlman Mailing address: US Army Resources Command ATTN: HRC-PDP-P ( ) 91 TAG-D, SPSD, Soldiers Programs Branch Human Resources Center of Excellence 1600 Spearhead Division Ave. Ft. Knox, KY Phone: , DSN: voting.questions@conus.army.mil Website: NAVY Voting Action Officer: LT Andrew Bousky Mailing address: ATTN: Navy Voting Program 2713 Mitscher Rd SE Bldg A 168 Washington, DC Phone: , DSN: Fax: , DSN: VOTE@navy.mil Website: AIR FORCE Voting Action Officer: Mr. William A. D'Avanzo : HQ AFPC/DPSIMF Attn: Voting Action Office 550 C Street, West, Suite 37 Randolph AFB, TX Phone: , Option 5, (DSN Prefix: 665) Fax: , DSN fax: dpsoof.votingfund@randolph.af.mil Website: MARINE CORPS Voting Action Officer: Mr. Robert Wagner Mailing address: Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps; (MRP) 4 ATTN: Voting Action Officer 3280 Russell Road Quantico, VA Phone: ,DSN: Fax: , DSN: vote@usmc.mil Website: COAST GUARD Voting Action Officer: CWO Charles Al Thompson Mailing address: COMMANDER (PSC- PSD), PERSONNEL SERVICE CENTER US COAST GUARD STOP 7200 Arlington, VA Phone: Fax: charles.a.thompson2@uscg.mil Website: DEPARTMENT OF STATE Chief Voting Action Officer: Mr. Jack Markey Phone: Assistant Voting Action Officer: Mr. Mark Raugust Phone: Mailing address: CA/OCS/ACS- SA-29 Department of State 2201 C Street NW Washington, DC votinginfo@state.gov Website: Information is current as of October 2011.

3 Voting Assistance Guide Assistance for citizens covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S. Code 1973ff) Publication ID#: VAG The Voting Assistance Guide was prepared by the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Information and procedures in this Guide are current as of August 2011 and may be affected by changes to Federal and State legislation. Check for updates, and for information on how to order an updated version of this Guide. We want your feedback! If this book was helpful to you or if you ran into problems or have questions, please send FVAP an at: or send mail to: Federal Voting Assistance Program, 1777 North Kent Street, Suite 14003, Arlington, VA 22209

4 We would like to acknowledge the advice and assistance given by the Secretaries of State, Directors of Elections, and their staff. We also thank the Graphics Department of the Department of Defense, Washington Headquarters Services for making this book possible. Special thanks also goes to the contributors of the Guide Review Group and the organizations they represent, including: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Department of State, American Citizens Abroad, Democrats Abroad, Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas, and Overseas Vote Foundation. We thank the thousands of individuals who participated in the 2011 FVAP slogan and poster contests. Congratulations to SGM Bob Pitman, United States Army (Retired), whose winning slogan is featured on FVAP s motivational poster and Dora Rodriguez, whose winning slogan is featured on FVAP s 2012 Election Dates calendar. Congratulations also go to Stephen Gentry whose winning poster entitled Baggage Claim was the inspiration for our Voting Assistance Guide cover and motivational poster Slogan Contest Winner: Over here, over there, don t despair. Vote! by Dora Rodriguez, U.S. Marine Corps 2011 Slogan Contest Winner: It s a freedom that you defend - Vote! by SGM Bob Pitman, U.S. Army (Retired) Honorable Mention Slogan Contest: Be an Absentee Voter, Not an Absentee Citizen, Vote by Cathy Neri, U.S. Navy Absentee Vote, Made in America by SGT Andrew Saife, U.S. Army You re away from home, your voice shouldn t be. Vote by LTJG, Katy Bock, U.S. Army Honorable Mention Poster Contest: 2 Lt Matt Jurcak, U.S. Air Force, won an Honorable Mention for his VOTE poster which depicted the American flag with well known American icons spelling out the word vote.

5 Voting Assistance Guide Table of Contents Chapter 1 How To Vote Absentee Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) Comparison of New/Old Forms Electronic Transmission Sheet Chapter 2 Absentee Voting Procedures by State or Territory Chapter 3 Guide for Voting Assistance Officers Frequently Asked Questions Handout: Primary Election Dates Handout U.S. Embassy and Consulate Addresses Handout Inside Front Cover Service Voting Action Officers Contact Information Inside Back Cover International Toll-Free Phone and Fax Numbers iii

6 iv Voting Assistance Guide

7 Voting Assistance Guide How to Vote Absentee Chapter 1 HOW TO VOTE ABSENTEE Can You Vote Absentee? In order to vote in U.S. elections, you must be: a citizen of the United States on the date of the election in which you wish to vote, and at least 18 years old on Election Day. (Some States allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if they will be 18 on or before the general election.) The absentee voting process in this book applies to you if you are: an active duty member of the U.S. Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine, a family member (spouse or dependent) a U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S. States that have adopted the UniformMilitary and Overseas Voters Act (UMOVA) has expanded the definition of Uniformed Services to include members of the National Guard. It also included U.S. citizens born abroad who have not established a voting residency in the United States. This is in addition to other States that provide this coverage. UMOVA and State information confirming the eligibility of National Guard members, U.S. citizens born abroad who have not established a voting residency in the United States and other U.S. citizens traveling abroad or temporarily living overseas, is available in the State pages in Chapter 2. If you are not one of the above but will be away from your polling place on Election Day, you may still be able to vote absentee according to your State s absentee voting guidelines. Contact your election office or check your State election website for more information. State websites and local election office addresses are available in your State s pages in Chapter 2. How Do You Vote Absentee? Step 1: Register and Request Your Absentee Ballot You must register and request an absentee ballot in your State of legal residence by completing a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) according to your State or territory s specific instructions and submitting it to your local election office. In most States and territories, one FPCA can be used to request ballots for primary and general elections for Federal offices (President/Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Delegate or Resident Commissioner). You should submit a new FPCA each year and whenever you change your mailing address. The FPCA: can be completed using our automated assistant at along with a pre-paid envelope template for submitting by mail. is available at military bases, U.S. embassies and consulates, election organizations, and corporations worldwide. is postage-paid within the U.S. postal system, including APO and FPO addresses, and through diplomatic pouches at some U.S. embassies and consulates. If submitting the FPCA from outside the United States using a foreign mail service, you must affix proper postage and include USA in the mailing address. may be sent using private courier services. However, they may not deliver to Post Office Boxes and may require the physical address of your local election office. Many States and territories allow you to return your FPCA by or fax. Consult your State s pages in Chapter 2 to see what your State allows. The FPCA and mailing instructions are illustrated on pages 4-5. Step 2: Your Election Official Processes Your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and Sends You a Blank Ballot Your local election official will process your FPCA to determine if you meet the jurisdiction s residency requirements and will decide which ballot to send you. Your local election official will contact you if there are any questions or if your application has been denied. Therefore, it is important to provide your complete contact information, including your address, on your FPCA. 1

8 How to Vote Absentee Voting Assistance Guide You should contact your local election office with questions on the status of your FPCA. Some States have voter registration verification websites where you can find your voter registration status. Links to these sites and contact information for local election officials can be found at Step 3: Vote Your State Ballot or Use the Back-Up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) Vote and return your State ballot as soon as you receive it. If you have registered and requested your ballot by your State s request deadline (or at least 30 days before the election, whichever is later), you may use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) any time before the election. Your completed FWAB must be received by your local election office by the deadline for receipt of State absentee ballots for that election. In most cases you can only use the FWAB to vote for Federal offices. Some States have expanded the use of the FWAB to include voting for offices other than Federal offices. Some States have also expanded the use of the FWAB for registration and ballot request. Consult your State s pages in Chapter 2 to see what your State allows. The FWAB consists of: Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot Instructions Voter s Declaration/Affirmation Official Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot with Security Envelope attached Mailing Envelope To complete your FWAB, follow your State s instructions in Chapter 2. Once finished, place your voted ballot inside the security envelope and seal it. Do not write on the outside of the security envelope. Place the security envelope, along with the Voter s Declaration/Affirmation, inside the mailing envelope. The FWAB: can be completed using our automated assistant at along with a pre-paid envelope template for submitting by mail. is available in a fillable PDF form at This version of the FWAB does not contain the security or the mailing envelope; however, you may use two plain envelopes: mark one as the security envelope and use the other as a mailing envelope. You may use the online prepaid envelope template as the mailing envelope. is available at military bases, U.S. embassies and consulates, election organizations, and corporations worldwide. 2 is postage-paid within the U.S. postal system, including APO and FPO addresses and through diplomatic pouches at some U.S. embassies and consulates. If submitting the FWAB from outside the United States using a foreign mail service, you must affix proper postage and include USA in the mailing address. may be sent using private courier services. However, they may not deliver to Post Office Boxes and may require the physical address of your local election office. Many States and territories allow you to return your FWAB by or fax. Consult your State s pages in Chapter 2 to see what your State allows. If you receive your State absentee ballot after you have submitted the FWAB, you should vote and return that ballot immediately. If the State absentee ballot arrives by your State s deadline, the State will count that ballot instead of the FWAB. The FWAB and mailing instructions are illustrated on pages 6-9. Can You or Fax Your Voting Materials? All States allow you to receive the blank absentee ballot by , fax, or other electronic means. Some States also allow other methods of electronic transmission, including: sending the FPCA for registration and/or absentee ballot request by or fax, receive the blank absentee ballot by or fax, a combination of the above. Any other written correspondence involving voter registration or elections may be ed or faxed to local election officials in any State. Sending the FPCA by or Fax Where allowed by State law, you may or fax the FPCA to your local election official. Follow the steps below: Complete and sign the FPCA according to your State s requirements in Chapter 2. Complete the Electronic Transmission Sheet included at the end of this chapter (or an alternate cover sheet containing similar information). ing: Scan the FPCA and save as a PDF file. the file as an attachment, along with a scanned copy of the Electronic Transmission Sheet. directly to the local election office. addresses can be found on the State s election website, available in the State s pages in Chapter 2 or at

9 Voting Assistance Guide How to Vote Absentee You may also use the Electronic Transmission Service to your FPCA by sending it to Faxing: Use a separate transmittal sheet for each FPCA and send each form separately to ensure that each form is received by the proper election official. It is recommended that you fax the FPCA directly to your local election office. Fax numbers can be found on the State s election website, available in the State s pages in Chapter 2.You may also use the Electronic Transmission Service to fax your FPCA toll-free. To use the Electronic Transmission Service, use the cover sheet at the end of this chapter or at and fax to: (703) , DSN , or toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to International toll-free numbers can be found on the inside back cover or at After ing or faxing, your State may require that you also mail the completed FPCA to your local election office. Consult your State s pages in Chapter 2 under How and Where to Submit Your FPCA to see what your State requires. Receiving the Blank Ballot by or Fax The State must provide the blank ballot by electronic means when requested. Check FVAP.gov or Chapter Two of this Guide to see blank ballot transmission methods are available from your state (online, or fax). Returning the Voted Absentee Ballot by or Fax Where allowed by State law, the voted ballot may be ed or faxed. Follow the steps below: Follow the instructions provided by the local election official in marking and executing your ballot. By ing or faxing the voted ballot, you are waiving the right to secrecy of the ballot. You must sign and date a statement on the Electronic Transmission Sheet indicating, I understand that by faxing or ing my voted ballot I am voluntarily waiving my right to a secret ballot. Complete the Electronic Transmission Sheet included at the end of this chapter (or an alternate cover sheet containing similar information). Include the number of pages being transmitted for each voted ballot. Retain a receipt of the date and time the voted ballot was successfully transmitted. ing: Scan all pages of the ballot and save as a PDF file. the file as an attachment along with a scanned copy of the Electronic Transmission Sheet. directly to the local election office. addresses can be found on the State s election website, available in the State s pages in Chapter 2 or at You may also use the Electronic Transmission Service to your FPCA by sending it to ets@fvap.gov. Faxing: Fax all pages of the voted ballot. Use a separate transmittal sheet for each ballot and send each ballot separately to ensure that each ballot is received by the proper election official. It is recommended that you fax the ballot directly to your local election office. Fax numbers can be found on the State s election website, available in the State s pages in Chapter 2. You may also use the Electronic Transmission Service to fax your ballot toll-free. To use the Electronic Transmission Service, use the cover sheet at the end of this chapter or at and fax to: (703) , DSN , or toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to International toll-free numbers can be found on the inside back cover or at After ing or faxing, your State may require that you also mail the completed ballot to your local election office. Consult your State s pages in Chapter 2 under How and Where to Submit Your FWAB to see what your State requires. Received Your Ballot Electronically, but Need to Return it by Mail? If your State does not allow you to return your voted ballot by or fax, you may mail it using the security envelope and ballot transmittal envelope from the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Detach the envelopes from the rest of the form. (See FWAB Mailing Instructions on the previous page.) You may also use two plain envelopes: mark one as the security envelope and use the other as the mailing envelope. You may use the prepaid envelope template at as the mailing envelope. Recommended Mailing Dates for the November 2012 General Election Send your FPCA by August 15, 2012 to ensure that you receive your ballot in time to vote and return it to be counted. Voters in Iraq, Afghanistan, ships at sea, and other overseas locations without access to the military postal system should send voted ballots by October 6,

10 How to Vote Absentee Voting Assistance Guide Voters in other overseas military installations should send voted ballots by October 13, 2012 Stateside Uniformed Service members and their families should send voted ballots by October 29, If you do not receive your State absentee ballot by October 2, 2012, use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot. If you receive your State absentee ballot, vote and return it. If both ballots are received by the deadline, only the State ballot will be counted. On the following pages, you will find the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), and the Electronic Transmission Sheet. You can also find the automated versions of FPCA and the FWAB at 4

11 How to Vote Absentee Voting Assistance Guide FPCA Mailing Instructions 1 Step 1 Complete and sign the FPCA using your State s instruction in Chapter 2. 2 Step 2 Fold and seal your FPCA. If using the online FPCA, print, sign and put it in an envelope. You may print postagepaid insignia on your envelope by using the envelope template available at 3 Step 3 Address and mail the FPCA to your local election official. Be sure to include your return address, and affix postage if using a foreign postal service. Notify Your Local Election Official About Your Current 5

12 Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Make only 1 selection. (In most States, you must be absent from your voting district to use this form). Political Party 1 2 I request an absentee ballot for all elections in which I am eligible to vote AND: I am a member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty OR To vote in primary elections, your State may require you to specify a political party: A quicker, easier to complete, electronic version of this form is also available on FVAP.gov. For any questions the Voting Assistance Guide available in hard copy or on FVAP.gov. Please print in black ink. I am their spouse or dependent. Last name Your legal name 3 First name Middle name Previous name (if applicable) Some States require your full SSN. Check your State s pages in the Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov. Contact information Include international 4 5 M F Race See instructions on back Birth date M M / D D / Y Y Y Y OR Social Security Number Telephone Alternate Ballot receipt 6 I prefer to receive my ballot, as permitted by my State, by: /Online Mail (rank from 1-3 in order of preference; be sure appropriate contact information is provided above) U.S. address for voting purposes Usually your last U.S. residence or your legal U.S. residence. See instructions. 7 Street Address City/Town/Village State Zip Code Apt. # Address where you live now This is different from above. Your voting materials will be sent here, unless you specify a forwarding 8 Additional requirements for your State Such as: mail forwarding address, additional phone, or other State required information. See your State s pages in the Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov. material misstatement of fact in completion of this document may constitute grounds for conviction 6 Signature Print this form, sign, and send in. Today s date M M / / Y Y Y Y Witness signature / date if required by your State. See the Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov. Signature Standard Form 76 (Rev )

13 Voting Assistance Guide How to Vote Absentee FWAB Mailing Instructions 1 Step 1 Complete and sign the FWAB s Voter Declaration/Affirmation using your State s instructions in Chapter Step 2 Fold the Voter Declaration/Affirmation and put it in the accompanying Mailing Envelope. Do not seal the envelope yet. If using the online FWAB, use your own envelope as the Mailing Envelope. You may print postage-paid insignia on your envelope by using the envelope template available at 4 Step 3 Vote the ballot by writing in a candidate or party name. Detach the ballot from the Security Envelope, fold it, insert it into the Security Envelope, and seal. If using the online FWAB, use a separate blank envelope and write Security Envelope on it. Step 4 Put the Security Envelope into the Mailing Envelope, seal, and address it to your local election official. Be sure to include your return address, and affix postage if using a foreign postal service. 7

14 Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) Voter Registration Many States require that you be registered and request an absentee ballot before using this form. 1 A quicker, easier to complete, electronic version of this form is also available on FVAP.gov. For any questions about this form, consult available in hard copy or on FVAP.gov. Please print in black ink. Have you already registered and requested an absentee ballot? Yes No If you answer No, you can do this via the Federal Post Card Application on FVAP.gov, or in a few States, by marking the box below. Check your State s pages in the Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov to see if your State allows registration via this form. I also want to register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot for all elections in which I am eligible to vote. I am a member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty OR I am their spouse or dependent. Make only 1 selection. I am a U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S., and I intend to return. I am a U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S., and I do not intend to return. I am a U.S. citizen otherwise granted military/overseas voting rights under State law (check the Voting Assistance Guide). Last name Your legal name First name Middle name Previous name (if applicable) Some States require your full SSN. Check your State s pages in the Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov 4 Sex M F State Driver s License or I.D. OR Social Security Number Race See Instructions Birth date M M / D D / Y Y Y Y Contact information No DSN number. 5 Telephone Fax Political party 6 To vote in primary elections, your State may require you to specify a political party. U.S. address for voting purposes Usually your last U.S. residence or your legal U.S. residence. See instructions. 7 Street Address (not P.O. Box) City/Town/Village State Zip Code Apt. # Address where you live now This is different from above. Your voting materials will be sent here, unless you specify a forwarding address in Box 9. 8 Additional requirements from your State Such as: mail forwarding address, additional phone, or other State required information. See your State s pages in the Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov 9 8 Signature Today s Date Signature Date Print this form, sign, and send in. M M / D D / Y Y Y Y Witness signature / date if required by your State. See Voting Assistance Guide on FVAP.gov

15 Some states allow the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to be used by military and overseas civilian voters in elections 9

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17 Changes in the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) 2005 Version Information 2011 Version Block 1 Voter Classification Block 1 Block 2 My Information Blocks 3, 4, and 5 Block 3 Voting Address Block 7 Block 4 Block 8 Block 5 Political Party Affiliation Block 2 Block 6 Additional Requirements Block 9 Block 7 Affirmation Affirmation Section N/A How to Receive Your Ballot Block 6 Changes in the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) 2005 Version Information 2011 Version Block 1 Voter Classification Blocks 1, 2 Block 2 My Information Blocks 3, 4, and 5 Block 3 Voting Address Block 7 Block 4 Block 8 Block 5 Political Party Affiliation Block 6 Block 6 Additional Requirements Block 9 Block 7 Affirmation Affirmation Section The version date of a form is located next to its Standard Form number. The 2005 forms are still valid. If you have any version of any forms other than the 2005 or 2011 versions, they are obsolete and should be discarded. If you need to order new forms, please refer to the instructions beginning on page

18 How to Vote Absentee Voting Assistance Guide To: City/ Board of Elections Fax Number City State Official Election Materials Electronic Transmission Sheet Transmission (Cover) Sheet from Absentee Voter to Election Official From: Last Name First Name Middle Name Telephone Number Fax Number Address Additional Information: If a VOTED BALLOT is being faxed or ed, sign below: I understand that by faxing or ing my voted ballot I am voluntarily waiving my right to a secret ballot Signature: Date: Number of pages being transmitted, including this sheet: Fax to one of these numbers: /DSN or or Check for international fax numbers to ets@fvap.gov 12

19 Chapter 2 Absentee Voting Procedures by State or Territory On the following pages, you will find instructions for all 50 States, the District of Columbia and 4 U.S. Territories for Registering and Requesting Your Absentee Ballot, Voting Your Ballot, and Using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), as well as Local Election Office Contact Information. You can also find the FPCA and the FWAB at 13

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21 DEADLINES Presidential Primary March 13, 2012 Alabama State Primary March 13, 2012 State Primary Runoff April 24, 2012 General Election November 6, 2012 Registration March 2, 2012 March 2, 2012 April 13, 2012 October 26, 2012 Ballot Request March 8, 2012 March 8, 2012 April 19, 2012 November 1, 2012 Ballot Return Postmarked by: March 12, 2012 Received by: 5 pm, March 13, 2012 Postmarked by: March 12, 2012 Received by: 5 pm, March 13, 2012 Postmarked by: April 24, 2012 Received by: 5 pm, May 1, 2012 Postmarked by: November 5, 2012 Received by: 5 pm, November 6, 2012 Alabama These are not mailing deadlines. Mail your voting materials early enough to account for mail delivery times. Check the Recommended Mailing Dates on the next page for details. Information is current as of October Check for updates. Registering and Requesting Your Absentee Ballot The Federal Post Card Application registers you to vote and requests absentee ballots for all Federal elections held through the next two regularly scheduled general elections. Complete the Following Blocks of the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA): Block 1: Select the category that describes you. Block 2: To vote in primary elections, you must enter your political party affiliation. If you want to change your political party affiliation, submit a completed FPCA indicating your new party preference to the local election official. Political party affiliation is not required if only requesting absentee ballots for general elections. Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle) Block 4: Requested but not required. Enter the choice that best describes you from the following list: AI = American Indian or Alaskan Native; AP = Asian or Pacific Islander not Native Hawaiian; B = Black, not of Hispanic Origin; H = Hispanic; M = Multi-racial; NH = Native Hawaiian; W = White, not of Hispanic Origin; O = Other. Date of Birth Your valid Alabama Driver's License number OR the last four digits of your Social Security number is required for voter registration. If you do not possess either of these identification numbers, the State shall assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes. Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required. Block 6: Alabama allows you to receive your blank ballot by mail or electronically. Please rank your preference of how you would like to receive your absentee ballot. Provide your address in Block 5. Please ensure that this address does not block or filter s forwarded from your county election official. Block 7: Complete street address of your Alabama voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 9. This address must be within the county where you claim legal voting residence. Block 8: Complete address where you want your ballot sent, usually where you live now. Block 9: If you do not wish to receive ballots for all Federal elections through the next two regularly scheduled general elections, you may request a ballot for each election for Federal office held in the next election year OR a ballot for only the next scheduled election for Federal office by noting your choice here. Provide any information that may assist your election official in accepting this application. Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required. 15

22 Alabama Voting Assistance Guide How and Where to Submit Your FPCA: You must mail your FPCA directly to your local election official. Addresses can be found at the end of this section. Follow-Up on Your FPCA To find out the status of your registration/absentee ballot request, contact your local election office or refer to Alabama s voter registration verification website at: myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/. Your jurisdiction will contact you if your application is denied. Voting Your Ballot Local election officials send absentee ballots approximately 40 days before an election. Voted ballots must be postmarked no later than the day before the election (by Election Day for primary runoff elections) and received by the local election official by noon on Election Day (7 days after Election Day for primary runoff elections). Voted ballots must be returned by mail. Overseas uniformed service members and their family members with access to the Military Postal Service, may use the Prepaid Expedited Mail- Label 11-DOD. This label is available at APO/FPO locations and can only be used for the general election. It provides expedited mail service up to seven days prior to the election. You can return your ballot with this label attached at any MPO/FPO, American embassy or consulate. A portion of the label is retained by you for tracking your ballot through the U.S. Postal Service. Tracking Your Ballot You may track the status of your ballot at: myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/. Recommended Mailing Dates for the November 2012 General Election Send your FPCA by August 15, 2012 to ensure that you receive your ballot in time to vote and return it to be counted. Voters in Iraq, Afghanistan, ships at sea, and other overseas locations without access to the military postal system should send voted ballots by October 6, 2012 Voters in other overseas military installations should send voted ballots by October 13, 2012 Stateside Uniformed Service members and their families should send voted ballots by October 29, If you do not receive your State absentee ballot by October 2, 2012, use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot. If you receive your State absentee ballot, vote and return it. If both ballots are received by the deadline, only the State ballot will be counted. Haven t Received Your Ballot? Don t Wait Until It s Too Late... Use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot! Alabama allows you to use Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) for voting in general elections for Federal office. If you are registered and have requested your absentee ballot, feel free to use the FWAB to vote anytime before an election. Complete the Following Blocks of the FWAB s Voter Declaration/Affirmation: Block 1: Alabama does not allow you to use this form for registration. Do not check the registration block. Block 2: Select the category that describes you. Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle) Block 4: Requested but not required. Enter the choice that best describes you from the following list: AI = American Indian or Alaskan Native; AP = Asian or Pacific Islander not Native Hawaiian; B = Black, not of Hispanic Origin; H = Hispanic; M = Multi-racial; NH = Native Hawaiian; W = White, not of Hispanic Origin; O = Other. Date of Birth Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required. Block 7: Complete street address of your Alabama voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 16

23 Voting Assistance Guide Alabama 9. This address must be within the county where you claim legal voting residence. Block 8: Enter your current mailing address. Block 9: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this ballot or application. Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required. Vote Your FWAB: Vote for any Federal office in a general election. To find out the races and candidates for which you can vote, go to For each office for which you vote, write in either a candidate s name or a political party designation. Once the ballot is complete, fold and place it in the security envelope and seal. Place only the voted ballot in the security envelope and do not write on the security envelope. How and Where to Submit Your FWAB: The deadlines for submitting the FWAB are the same as for State absentee ballots. If you receive the regular ballot after submitting the voted FWAB, you may also vote and return the State ballot. If both ballots are received by the deadline, only the State ballot will be counted. Insert the sealed security envelope and the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation into the mailing envelope and mail your FWAB directly to your local election official. Local Election Office Contacts Autauga Baldwin Barbour Bibb Blount Autauga Circuit Clerk 134 North Court Street Courthouse, Room 114 Prattville, AL Fax: (334) whit.moncrief@alacourt.gov Absentee Election Manager 312 Courthouse Square Suite 10 Bay Minette, AL Phone: (251) jody.cambell@alacourt.gov Absentee Election Manager 303 East Broad Street, Room 201 Eufaula, AL Fax: (334) david.nix@alacourt.gov Bibb Circuit Clerk PO Box 185 Centreville, AL Fax: (205) gayle.bearden@alacourt.gov Blount Circuit Clerk Courthouse 220 Second Avenue, E. Room 208 Oneonta, AL Fax: (205) michael.criswell@alacourt.gov Bullock Butler Calhoun Chambers Cherokee Chilton Choctaw Clarke Clay Clebume Coffee Colbert Conecuh Coosa Covington Bullock Circuit Clerk PO Box 230 Union Springs, AL Fax: (334) wilbert.jernigan@alacourt.gov Butler Circuit Clerk PO Box 236 Greenville, AL Fax: (334) allen.stephenson@alacourt.gov Calhoun Circuit Clerk Courthouse 25 West 11th Street, Suite 300 Anniston, AL Fax: (256) ted.hooks@alacourt.gov Chambers Circuit Clerk Courthouse 2 Lafayette Street South Lafayette, AL Fax: (334) charles.story@alacourt.gov Cherokee Circuit Clerk Courthouse 100 Main Street, Room 203 Centre, AL Phone: (256) dwayne.amos@alacourt.gov Chilton Circuit Clerk PO Box 1946 Clanton, AL Fax: (205) glenn.mcgriff@alacourt.gov Choctaw Circuit Clerk PO Box 428 Butler, AL Fax: (205) donna.murphy@alacourt.gov Clarke Circuit Clerk PO Box 921 Grove Hill, AL Clay Circuit Clerk PO Box 816 Ashland, AL Fax: (256) jeffery.colburn@alacourt.gov Clebume Circuit Clerk Courthouse, Room Vickery Street Heflin, AL Fax: (256) jerrypaul.owen@alacourt.gov Coffee Circuit Clerk PO Box Enterprise, AL Fax: (334) mickey.counts@alacourt.gov Colbert Circuit Clerk 201 N. Main St. Tuscumbia, AL Fax: (256) nancy.hearn@alacourt.gov Conecuh Circuit Clerk 111 Court St., Room 203 Evergreen, AL Fax: (251) david.jackson@alacourt.gov Coosa Circuit Clerk PO Box 98 Rockford, AL Fax: (256) jeff.wood@alacourt.gov Covington Circuit Clerk Courthouse 1-K North Court Square Andalusia, AL Fax: (334) roger.powell@alacourt.gov Alabama 17

24 Alabama Voting Assistance Guide Crenshaw Cullman Dale Dallas DeKalb Elmore Escambia Etowah Fayette Franklin Geneva Greene Hale Henry Houston Jackson Absentee Election Manager PO Box 263 Luverne, AL Fax: (334) Cullman Circuit Clerk Courthouse Room nd Ave. SW Cullman, AL Fax: (256) Dale Circuit Clerk PO Box 1350 Ozark, AL Dallas Circuit Clerk PO Box 327 Selma, AL DeKalb Circuit Clerk PO Box Fort Payne, AL Fax: (256) Elmore Circuit Clerk PO Box 310 Wetumpka, AL Fax: (334) Escambia Circuit Clerk PO Box 856 Brewton, AL Phone: (251) Etowah Circuit Clerk Suite Forrest Avenue Gadsden, AL Fax: (256) Fayette Circuit Clerk PO Box 906 Fayette, AL Fax: (205) Franklin Circuit Clerk PO Box 160 Russellville, AL Geneva Circuit Clerk PO Box 86 Geneva, AL Fax: (334) Greene Circuit Clerk PO Box 307 Eutaw, AL Fax: (205) Hale Circuit Clerk PO Box 99 Greensboro, AL Fax: (334) Henry Circuit Clerk 101 Court Square, Suite J Abbeville, AL Fax: (334) shirlene.vickers@alacourt.gov Houston Circuit Clerk PO Drawer 6406 Dothan, AL carla.woodall@alacourt.gov Jackson Circuit Clerk PO Box 397 Scottsboro, AL Fax: (256) ken.ferrell@alacourt.gov Jefferson - Bessemer Jefferson - Birmingham Lamar Lauderdale Lawrence Lee Limestone Lowndes Macon Madison Marengo Marion Marshall Mobile Monroe Jefferson Circuit Clerk - Bessemer Division PO Box 1310 Bessemer, AL Fax: (205) earl.carter@alacourt.gov Jefferson Circuit Clerk - Birmingham Division Courthouse, Room Richard Arrington, Jr. Blvd., N. Birmingham, AL Fax: (205) annemarie.adams@alacourt.gov Lamar Circuit Clerk PO Box 434 Vernon, AL mary.jones@alacourt.gov Lauderdale Circuit Clerk PO Box 776 Florence, AL Fax: (256) missy.hibbett@alacourt.gov Lawrence Circuit Clerk PO Box 249 Moulton, AL Fax: (256) harce.hill@alacourt.state.al.us Lee Circuit Clerk Room Gateway Drive Opelika, AL Fax: (334) corinne.hurst@alacourt.gov Limestone Circuit Clerk 200 Washington Street, W. Athens, AL charles.page@alacourt.gov Lowndes Circuit Clerk PO Box 876 Hayneville, AL Fax: (334) ruby.jone@alacourt.gov Macon Circuit Clerk 101 East Rosa Parks Ave., Suite 300 Tuskegee, AL Fax: (334) david.love@alacourt.gov Madison Circuit Clerk Courthouse 100 Northside Square, Room 217 Huntsville, AL Fax: (256) jane.smith@alacourt.gov Marengo Circuit Clerk PO Box Linden, AL Fax: (334) rusty.nichols@alacourt.gov Marion Circuit Clerk PO Box 1595 Hamilton, AL sheila.bozeman@alacourt.gov Marshall Circuit Clerk 424 Blount Avenue, Suite 201 Guntersville, AL Fax: (256) cheryl.pierce@alacourt.gov Mobile Circuit Clerk 205 Government Plaza, Suite C-913 Mobile, AL Fax: (251) alleen.barnett@atacourt.gov Monroe Circuit Clerk Courthouse 65 North Alabama Avenue Monroeville, AL Fax: (251) jsawyer@alacourt.gov 18

25 Voting Assistance Guide Alabama Montgomery Morgan Perry Pickens Pike Randolph Russell St. Clair Shelby Sumter Talladega Tallapoosa Tuscaloosa Walker Elections Director Courthouse Annex Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL Fax: (334) justinaday@mc-ala.org Morgan Circuit Clerk PO Box 668 Decatur, AL johnpat.orr@alacourt.gov Perry Circuit Clerk PO Box 505 Marion AL Fax: (334) mary.moore@alacourt.gov Pickens Circuit Clerk PO Box 418 Carrollton, AL Fax: (205) bobby.cowart@alacourt.gov Absentee Election Manager 120 West Church Street Troy, AL Phone: (334) audrey.milton@alacourt.gov Randolph Circuit Clerk PO Box 328 Wedowee, AL Fax: (256) chris.may@alacourt.gov Russell Circuit Clerk th Street Phenix City, AL Fax: (334) kathy.coulter@alacourt.gov St. Clair Circuit Clerk 100 6th Ave, Suite 400 Ashville, AL Fax: (205) annette.hall@alacourt.gov Shelby Circuit Clerk PO Box 1810 Columbiana, AL mary.harris@alacourt.gov Absentee Election Manager PO Box 936 Livingston, AL Fax: (205) edmond.bell@alacourt.gov Talladega Circuit Clerk PO Box 6137 Talladega, AL Fax: (256) clarence.haynes@alacourt.gov Tallapoosa Circuit Clerk Courthouse 125 North Broadnax Street, Room 132 Dadeville, AL frank.lucas@alacourt.gov Tuscaloosa Circuit Clerk 714 Greensboro Ave, Rm 214 Tuscaloosa, AL Fax: (205) margaria.bobo@alacourt.gov Walker Circuit Clerk PO Box 1389 Jasper, AL Fax: (205) susan.odom@alacourt.gov Washington Wilcox Winston Washington Circuit Clerk PO Box 548 Chatom, AL steve.grimes@alacourt.gov Wilcox Circuit Clerk PO Box 608 Camden, AL Fax: (334) ralph.ervin@alacourt.gov Absentee Election Manager PO Box 309 Double Springs, AL Fax: (205) john.snoddu@alacourt.gov Alabama 19

26 Alabama Voting Assistance Guide 20

27 Alaska DEADLINES Presidential Primary* N/A State Primary August 28, 2012 General Election November 6, 2012 Registration N/A July 29, 2012 October 7, 2012 Ballot Request N/A August 18, 2012 October 27, 2012 Ballot Return N/A From Within U.S.: September 7, 2012 From Outside U.S.: September 12, 2012 From Within U.S.: November 16, 2012 From Outside U.S.: November 21, 2012 Alaska These are not mailing deadlines. Mail your voting materials early enough to account for mail delivery times. Check the Recommended Mailing Dates on the next page for details. Information is current as of October Check for updates. * Alaska has a Caucus system for selecting Presidential Nominees. Registering and Requesting Your Absentee Ballot The Federal Post Card Application registers you to vote and requests absentee ballots for all Federal elections held through the next two regularly scheduled general elections after the date the application is submitted. Complete the Following Blocks of the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA): Block 1: Select the category that describes you. Block 2: To vote in primary elections, you must enter your political party affiliation. If you are registered non-partisan or undeclared, you must indicate which party ballot you want to receive. If you want to change your political party affiliation, submit a completed FPCA indicating your new party preference to the local election official no later than 30 days prior to the election. Political party affiliation is not required if only requesting absentee ballots for general elections. Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle). Enter any former name under which you were registered in Alaska. Block 4: Date of Birth Your valid Alaska Driver's License number, the last four digits of your Social Security number OR your Alaska State Identification Card number is required for voter registration. If you do not possess any of these identification numbers, the State shall assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes. Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required. Block 6: Alaska allows you to receive your ballot by mail or fax. Please rank your preference of how you would like to receive your absentee ballot. Provide your fax number in Block 9. If you do not make a selection, Alaska will mail your ballot to you. Block 7: Complete street address of your Alaska voting residence. You may provide your street name and house number, highway name and milepost number, building number and street name on a military base, subdivision with lot and block number. Do not use a post office box number, highway contact number and box, rural route number, commercial address or mail stop address. If in a rural village you may provide community name as your residence address or describe its location in Block 9. Block 8: Complete address where you want your ballot sent, usually where you live now. Block 9: When initially registering to vote by mail from outside Alaska, you must enclose proof of Alaska residency (such as a copy of a current Alaska Driver s License or a leave and earning statement reflecting Alaska as place of residency) with this application. 21

28 Alaska Voting Assistance Guide Enter your passport or identity card number if you are an overseas citizen. This is not required for Uniformed Service members and their families. Alternatively, if you are an overseas citizen, were last domiciled in Alaska prior to leaving the U.S. and do not intend to return to Alaska as a resident you may register as a Federal Voter and participate in only elections for Federal office. To request this option, write: I wish to register as a Federal voter and was last domiciled in Alaska prior to leaving the U.S. You must provide a copy of your valid passport, card of identity and registration, or other identification issued under the authority of the U.S. Secretary of State with this application. In addition to mailing a regular ballot, Alaska provides a Special Advance Write-In Ballot up to 60 days before the election to any voter outside the U.S. who has requested it. This ballot allows you to vote for Federal, State, and Judicial offices, and any ballot propositions appearing on the ballot. To request it, write in Block 9: Please send a special advance ballot. Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this application. Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required How and Where to Submit Your FPCA: Alaska allows you to submit the FPCA by mail, , or fax. If you choose to mail your FPCA, mail the form directly to: Absentee Voting Office 619 E. Ship Creek Ave, Ste 329 Anchorage, AK If you choose to your FPCA, send your FPCA as a signed, scanned attachment to akabsentee@alaska.gov. If you choose to fax your FPCA, fax the form directly to (907) You may also use the DoD Electronic Transmission Service to fax your FPCA toll-free. To use the Electronic Transmission Service, use the cover sheet available in Chapter 1 or at and fax to: (703) , DSN , or toll-free from the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to International toll-free fax numbers can be found on the inside back cover or at Follow-Up on Your FPCA To find out the status of your registration/absentee ballot request, contact your local election office or refer to: Your jurisdiction will contact you regarding the status of your application. Late Registration In a Presidential election year, you may register after the 30- day deadline and your vote for President will be counted. Your application to register and receive a by-mail or by-fax ballot must be received 10 days before Election Day. Ballot Request by Proxy Alaska allows a person with power of attorney to make a change to the voter s registration or apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of the voter. A copy of the power of attorney must be submitted with the application. Voting Your Ballot The Alaska Absentee Voting Office mails absentee ballots beginning 45 days before the election. Voted ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day. Ballots mailed from outside the U.S. must be received no later than 15 days after the election. Ballots mailed from within the U.S. must be received no later than 10 days after the election. Voted ballots must be sworn to before one witness (18 years or older). Alaska allows you to return the voted ballot by mail or fax (if you requested your ballot to be faxed to you). Follow instructions sent with the ballot. Overseas uniformed service members and their family members with access to the Military Postal Service, may use the Prepaid Expedited Mail- Label 11-DOD. This label is available at APO/FPO locations and can only be used for the general election. It provides expedited mail service up to seven days prior to the election. You can return your ballot with this label attached at any MPO/FPO, American embassy or consulate. A portion of the label is retained by you for tracking your ballot through the U.S. Postal Service. Tracking Your Ballot You may track the status of your ballot at: 22