Make your vote count

  • Published
  • By Jim Anderson
  • 509th Services Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The basic absentee voting process 

Step 1
Citizen completes and mails the Federal Post Card Application Form (SF-76),
Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Form. This form is available with
your Unit Voting Assistance Officer (UVAO) or on the Federal Voting
Assistance web site at www.fvap.gov.

Step 2
Local Election Official approves Registration request or requests further
information.

Step 3
Local Election Official mails absentee ballot*

Step 4
Citizen votes and mails the absentee ballot to the Local Election Official
in time to meet state deadlines.

* In order to receive an absentee ballot in a timely manner, it is
imperative for citizens to keep their local election official informed of
address changes.

Where is my "legal voting residence?

For voting purposes, your "legal voting residence" can be the state or territory where you last resided prior to entering military service or the state or territory that you have since claimed as your legal residence. Even though you may no longer maintain formal ties to that residence, the address determines your proper district, ward, precinct or parish for voting purposes. To claim a new legal residence you must have simultaneous physical presence and the intent to return to that location as your primary residence. Military and family members may change their legal residence every time they change permanent duty stations or they may retain their legal residence without change. Family members may have a different legal voting residence from the member. A JAG officer or legal counsel should be consulted before legal residence is changed because there are usually other factors that should be considered besides voting.

Can I vote in person where I am stationed?

Military members may vote in the state or territory where stationed if they change their legal residence to that state or territory, even if they live on a military installation. Be advised that there are legal obligations that may be incurred, such as taxation, if you change your state or territory of residence. Therefore, consult a JAG officer or legal counsel before making such a decision. At the present time, there are no provisions for personnel stationed outside the United States to vote, in person, where stationed.