Armed Forces voters week kicks off Tuesday

  • Published
  • By Maj Joseph Amato
  • Installation Voting Assistance Officer
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  With the November general election only two months away, now is the time to ensure your ability to exercise your right to vote. Your Unit Voting Assistance Officers will be conducting their last big voter registration drive starting Tuesday, Sept. 2 as we kick off Armed Forces Voters Week. 

UVAOs will staff information tables in the Base Exchange (Tues. - Sun from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Commissary (Wed. - Sun. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and in the lobby of building 500 (Tues. - Fri.). Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Forms will be provided, as well as instructions on how to fill them out. 

Not sure if you need help? See if any of the following question and answer scenarios apply to you: 

Q. Am I eligible to vote absentee? What about my dependents? 

A. All active-duty military and their voting-age dependents are eligible to vote absentee, even if you reside in the state in which you are registered to vote. For those registered to vote in Montana, you may either vote in person at the Civic Center or vote absentee. 

Q. I know I registered, but I can't remember when. Am I still good? 

A. Probably not. The Federal Post Card Application acts as your registration and directs your state to mail you ballots for all Federal elections through the next two regularly scheduled general elections. You will need to fill out a new request if any of the following apply to you: You haven't registered since the 2004 election; you have moved or changed your address since your last registration (absentee ballots cannot be forwarded); you have changed your name. If in doubt, fill out a new request. 

Q. In which state can I register to vote? 

A. You can register in a state in which you have or have had a physical presence and where you intend to remain or return. As a practical matter, you can always claim your home of record, where you lived when you joined the military. You can also register wherever you are currently stationed. Please be aware that this choice carries with it legal considerations beyond voting. The state you register with determines where you pay state income tax, as well as your driver's license and vehicle plates. If you have any residency questions it is best to consult the legal office for advice. 

Q. I'm not sure how to fill out the form. Which blocks are required for my state? 

A. The UVAOs have a printed voting assistance guide that gives guidancefor each state. However, I recommend to all UVAOs to refer people to the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site at www.fvap.gov. This Web site was completely redesigned to be very user friendly. Simply click "Get Started" under the uniformed member, click "Get Started" again under "Register to Vote and/or Request an Absentee Ballot", and then click on your state. This provides the most accurate and up-to-date guidance incorporating any updates since publication of the guide. 

Q. What if I lose my form after Armed Forces Voters Week? Where can I find help? 

A. The FVAP Web site is the best option in most cases. There you can download and fill out an electronic version of the form. You can then print it out and mail it in (postage can also be printed on a standard envelope). If your state has provisions for electronic submission, it will be listed as a submission option at the bottom of the instructions page. Alternately, each unit has one or more UVAOs appointed to help you. You can find contact information on the bottom right corner of the 341st Missile Wing home page, accessible via the Air Force Portal. Materials are also available at the base library, immediately to the left upon entering. You can also call the voting hotline at 731-7068.