Everything you need to know about absentee voting

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christian Sullivan
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  

With the primary elections right around the corner, Maj. Katrina Janousek, 5th Medical Operations Squadron flight medicine clinic element leader and voting installation assistance officer, helps answer absentee voters’ most common questions.

 

Question: How does an absentee ballot work?

 

Answer: The Federal Postcard Application is for all service members, eligible family members living outside their voting jurisdiction and U.S. citizens residing overseas who haven’t changed their residency.

 

Q: What is a voting residence and why is it important?

 

A: Voting residence is your state of legal residence or domicile. It is used for state income tax purposes and determines eligibility to vote for the federal and state elections. If a service member cannot remember their state of residence, it can be found on the leave and earnings statement.

 

Q: When is the best time to apply for absentee ballots?

 

A:  In order to continue receiving absentee ballots, submit a new FPCA every January or each time your address changes. However, you can also apply at a minimum of 90 days prior to the elections you want to vote in.

 

Q: Where do I send my FPCA?

 

A: The request form must be completed, printed, signed, dated and sent directly to your election official. Some states allow submission by fax or email.

 

Q: When is the deadline to submit an absentee ballot?

 

A: The FVAP.gov/FWAB websites have specific cutoff dates for each state. The Federal Postcard Application must be submitted 45 days before the election. In order to vote in the general election, you must be registered. Some states allow the use of the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot which allows you to register and vote at the same time.  


Q: Who can Airmen and their spouses contact for more information?

 

A: Anyone can call the Voting Office at 723-5222, speak to their squadron’s voting representative, log onto FVAP.gov or call FVAP at 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) for additional information.  The FVAP provides online assistance to walk you through filling out the FPCA and FWAB.