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Absentee Voting from Outside the United States
Voting the the upcoming election from outside the United States is an issue important to many expatriates. It’s easy, but you need to get ready now!
By: Slade Ogletree
The election season is a hot topic in The United States right now. With the fate of gas prices, the bank failures, and the wars in the Middle East at stake voters want to make their voices heard. If you are planning to be in Baja on Election Day, you can still cast your vote if you are a registered voter, by using an “Absentee Ballot”. Getting and using an Absentee Ballot is quite easy, but you do need to get started well beforehand. Here’s what you need to know.
An absentee ballot is a vote cast by someone who is unable to be at the official polling station. Typically these ballots are mailed, although some states do provide provisions for emailing ballots, faxing ballots, or delivering them in person to a designated location. (No such station is planned in Baja at this time) In most states, voters may request "permanent absentee ballot" status, in which case the state will send the voter an absentee ballot every time there is an election.
Each state has different laws regulating absentee ballots. Check the Board of Elections’ website for your state which details State Specific information and instructions. Many offer downloadable forms and other online options. The ballot will arrive by mail, or may be picked up, before the Election. Voters (usually) mark their ballots, which may be an optically read ballot marked with a pen or pencil, or it may be a punch card ballot. They then mail the ballot back to the state, or may bring the ballot in person to a designated location.
California's Secretary of State has reported that in every general election since 1993, between 20% and 30% of ballots cast have been absentee ballots. Oregon voters already vote by mail, so your ballot can be forwarded to you if needed. Check with your city or town clerk or election commission for details.
For Ex-Pats or long term vacationers, you can also vote if you are already registered. Simply contact the proper officials in the county where you last voted. In some states you may need to submit a written application. Also, in some circumstances, a family member may be allowed to request a ballot for you.
If you are not already registered to vote, are you eligible? Every state in the nation has three basic requirements: you must be a citizen of the United States, you must be a resident of the state in which you're planning to register, and you must be at least 18 years old by the next election. Most states also have two restrictions: you must NOT be imprisoned or on parole for a felony conviction and you must NOT be judged mentally incompetent by a court of law.
Rock The Vote is a quick way to register if you live in the U.S. The Overseas Vote Foundation is the best source of information for voters living in Baja. They'll help you register to vote and request your absentee ballot at the same time. Please note that if you are not already registered to vote, it may already be too late in many states to register and vote in the November Elections. You can also contact the Federal Voting Assistance Program (wwwfvap.gov) or the Office of The Consulate in Cabo San Lucas. The U.S. Consulate does provide Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot services in its Cabo San Lucas Office; however it is already too late to apply for their program as well.
For Americans, voting is not only a privilege or a right, but it’s a duty. What happens in the U.S. affects Mexico, and a peaceful, strong, prosperous America benefits it’s neighbors as well. With the threats of Global Warming, dwindling energy reserves, and a host of other crucial issues looming, it is more important than ever to make your voice heard.