Voting

Uncle Sam Wants You to Vote in the 2004 Presidential Elections!

Dear Fellow Americans,

The U.S. Embassy wants to encourage you to vote in this year’s general elections. Every vote counts, but time is quickly running out, so act today!

Voting from overseas involves a 2-step process:

  1. Register to vote in your county of last residence. This is done on the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
    • The form can be downloaded or picked up from the Consular Section.
    • You will also need your state’s absentee registration and voting procedures—read carefully!
    • Some states require the FPCA to be notarized. This service is provided at the Embassy free of charge.
    • Fill out the FPCA clearly and include an email address for contact.
    • If your state allows faxed ballots, provide your complete fax number.
    • Send in your FPCA as soon as possible, as some states close registration 30 days before the election.
  2. Vote in a timely fashion.
    • States send out absentee ballots 30–60 days before the election.
    • If required, your ballot can be notarized at the Embassy free of charge.
    • If you don’t receive your ballot, you may be eligible to use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB), available at the Embassy.
    • To use the FWAB, your FPCA must reach your local officials at least 30 days before the election.

We recommend mailing your completed ballot directly to your County Clerk no later than October 18. If you wish to drop it off at the Consular Section, please do so by October 12.

Voters mailing ballots after these dates should consider using a courier service. Remember: courier services cannot deliver to P.O. boxes. Contact your local election officials to confirm the proper street address for delivery.

There are many helpful resources available online to guide you through the voting process. You can vote independently, but we are here to help if you need us.

If you have any questions not covered in this message, feel free to reach out to the Consular Section.

This election may be close. Be a good citizen—please vote!

Warm regards,
Daria L. Darnell
Consul

Voting Services

U.S. citizens can obtain the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) from the Consular Section. After completing and mailing the form to your voting official in the U.S., you will receive an absentee ballot. If required, absentee ballots can be notarized at the Embassy at no charge.