Ask the US Consul:
Voting FAQs
By Karen E. Martin - U.S. Consul
2008

In a Presidential election year, the U.S. Consulate in Merida receives many questions about voting. Many Americans living overseas believe that it is difficult to register and vote absentee. But it is easy to make your voice heard by casting an absentee ballot.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

1. How can I register to vote and request an absentee ballot?
You can register to vote absentee without ever leaving Mexico. Go to the Consulate to pick up a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) or visit www.fvap.gov where you can find the same application online. In fact, this web site is an incredible resource that includes state-by-state instructions on how to vote from overseas.
Once you fill out the FPCA, drop it off at the Consulate and we will place it into the US mail system. If you cannot find the address for your County Clerk, we can look it up for you and if your state is one of the very few that requires a notarized application, we’ll notarize your form free of charge.

2. I haven’t lived in the US for years, can I still vote?
Absolutely. You can use your last physical
address in the US as your registration address. Even if you have never lived in the US, you still may be eligible to vote.
Check out www.fvap.gov or drop by the Consulate for more information.

3. How will I receive my absentee ballot?
After receiving your application, your County Clerk will mail an official absentee ballot to your overseas address. Unfortunately, the Consulate cannot receive this mail on your behalf. If you do not trust the local postal system, you may want to have the absentee ballot sent to a US address where a friend or relative can forward it on through an international mailing service.

4. I’ve done this all before. Do I need to request an absentee ballot again?
Uncle Sam recommends you submit a new FPCA in January each year if you are an absentee voter.

5. When is the best time to register and/or to apply for an absentee ballot?
If applying for both registration and an absentee ballot, you should send in your FPCA as soon as possible to give your County Clerk ample time to process your request. If requesting the absentee ballot only, you should send in your FPCA no later than 45 days before Election Day.

6. I received my absentee ballot and filled it out. Now what?
Bring it to the Consulate and we will mail it back home. If your state requires notarization, we will perform that service for you free of charge.

7. Help! My ballot didn’t arrive in time. What do I do??
Don’t panic. You can come into the Consulate and complete a Federal Write-In Ballot. We will send it in on your behalf to make sure that your vote gets counted. Please note that you must have already registered to vote absentee to take advantage of this option.

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8. I have more questions!
If you have any other questions about voting, please drop by our offices or send an email to consularmerida@state.gov

9. Do I really have to vote?
Voting is both a right and a privilege. Your vote counts so register and request your absentee ballot today!

Karen E. Martin
U.S. Consul - Merida

If you have any suggestions for future articles or improvements to our service at the U.S. Consulate, please send an e-mail to:  ConsularMerida@state.gov

Address & Info
Calle 60, No 338K x 29 y 31
Colonia Alcala Martin
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico  97050
Tel: (999) 942 5700
Fax: (999) 942 5759
Email: ConsularMerida@state.gov

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