Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot Facts

  • Published
  • By Michael Primo
  • 341st Force Support Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Wherever U.S. citizens go, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) ensures their voice is heard. The FVAP works to ensure service members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to do so from anywhere in the world.

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB, SF-186) is for use as a back-up when you are living outside your voting residence, have applied for a regular state ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA, SF-76) and have not received the requested state ballot in time to vote by the election deadline.

When do you submit your FWAB?

If you are registered to vote and requested your absentee ballot by the state’s deadline but have not received your regular state ballot within 30 days of the election, or longer if you are living in an area where mail delivery is not reliable, the FVAP recommends submitting the FWAB as a back-up.

Where do you get an FWAB?

FVAP.gov provides an online FWAB assistant to walk you through the form and provide you with applicable candidate names for Federal offices. Simply select your state from the drop-down menu and choose “Get My Ballot Now” or “Get My Backup Ballot” to begin. Once completed, do not forget to print and sign the form before submitting it to your local election office.

For help with any voting needs, please contact your Unit Voting Assistance Officer. Additionally, you can reach out to either Michael Primo, the wings primary IVAO, or David Burger, alternate IVAO.

The Installation Voting Assistance Office is located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center located in Bldg. 800 or by phone at 731-2786. You can also e-mail the IVAO at 341mw.vote@us.af.mil.