Using the Backup Ballot
The "back-up" ballot, called the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) is for military members, their family members and overseas citizens who have not received their requested state ballot. If you are in the above categories and have submitted a Federal Post Card Application to register to vote and/or request an absentee ballot within the last four years and have not yet received your state absentee ballot for Tuesday’s election, use the FWAB immediately. It is available online at www.fvap.gov, at military installations, embassies, consulates, and overseas citizen organizations worldwide.
To complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot:
1 – fill out and sign the declaration affirmation sheet (some states also require a witness signature)
2 – write in your candidate choices on the ballot and seal in a secrecy envelope
3 – submit the declaration affirmation and the secrecy envelope directly to your local election official by mail, fax, or email depending on what your state allows
State-specific instructions for completing and submitting the FWAB are available at www.fvap.gov.
Express mail is available for APO/FPOs.
Submitting Materials by Fax or Email
If your state or territory of legal voting residence allows the voted ballot to be submitted by fax or email, follow the instructions provided by the state with your ballot or use the following fax numbers: 703-695-5527; DSN (military) 223-5527; 1-800-368-8683. International toll-free fax numbers are listed on the FVAP website (www.fvap.gov). Uses the Electronic Transmission Cover Sheet provided on the FVAP website and sign the secrecy waiver on the cover sheet.
Registering to Vote
A few states allow registration and/or ballot requests right up to Election Day, November 4, 2008. Military and overseas citizens should contact their Voting Assistance Officer or visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.fvap.gov) to determine if registration is still open and what alternative methods (fax, email, online) your state allows for expediting submission of the registration and absentee ballot request, delivery of the ballot, and return of the voted ballot.
Questions regarding this news release may also be referred to the Director, Federal Voting Assistance Program, Department of Defense, 1155 Defense Pentagon, Washington DC 20301-1155. Additionally, the FVAP can be reached via email at vote@fvap.ncr.gov. Visit the FVAP website at www.fvap.gov.
Last updated: 10.31.2008