Absentee Voter Information
With all the recent attention on the primaries in the States, it seems like the right time to make you aware of some good sources of information for overseas voting:

1. The Federal Voting Assistance Program at http://www.fvap.gov provides information, an online version of the Federal Post Card Application for absentee ballots, and information on the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (which allows you to vote for federal offices if you are not provided with an absentee ballot after making a timely request).

2. Democrats Abroad at http://www.democratsabroad.org or Republicans Abroad at http://www.republicansabroad.org. There are chapters throughout the world, and both organizations are active in registering overseas voters, providing FPCA's, and offering advice and information. They frequently hold lectures, often with a focus on US foreign policy or relations with their host country, or other social activities. Additionally, Democrats Abroad sends delegates to the Democratic Party convention, so students and faculty who are residing overseas (and "uphold the principles of the Democratic Party") can opt to participate in their caucus in lieu of voting absentee in their home state primary. This will not affect where they vote absentee in the general election in November. The caucus is due to be held the weekend of February 6-9.

3. The US citizen services officer at local embassies and consulates can provide information and write-in ballots.

Students preparing to leave in the fall should check with their county registrar or secretary about requesting an absentee ballot before they leave, or the possibility of leaving early.

It is important to remember that virtually every US citizen, aged 18 or over, living overseas during an election period is entitled to vote for federal offices WITHOUT FEDERAL TAX IMPLICATIONS. State tax implications vary, but can usually be avoided by voting for federal offices only (i.e. President, Vice President, Presidential elector, Member of the United States Senate, Member of the United States House of Representatives, Delegates from the District of Columbia, Guam, Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, and Resident Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico). Specific questions can be addressed by any of the resources above.