Armed Forces Voter Registration Week!

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Federal Government has made it easy for Armed Forces members and dependents (of voting age) to vote absentee, with the Federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

To celebrate this fact, the week of 28 June - 7 July is officially "Armed Forces Absentee Voter Registration Week". Voting representatives are manning the voter's table in the Base Exchange lobby from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to help you register to vote absentee via the Federal Post Card Application Form 76 (FPCA SF-76).

If you prefer online applications, you can electronically register absentee via www.fvap.gov, then print, sign, and mail your absentee registration (FPCA SF-76) to your respective state. The current Federal Voting Assistance Guide recommends mailing your FPCA no later than 15 August 2010 to ensure you receive your absentee ballot in time to vote in the general election, Tuesday, 2 Nov 2010.

If you'd rather vote in person at a local polling location, you can register to vote in Oklahoma. Applications are available on-line at: http://www.ok.gov/~elections/vrform.pdf In Jackson County you can call 580-482-2370 for voter information. In Oklahoma you must be registered to vote at least 24 days before any election in which you wish to vote. Other states' voter registration procedures and deadlines may be found at www.fvap.gov.
"Voting is by far the most important duty we have as American citizens. After all, our Government is run by people who simply show up and cast their vote--of the people, for the people, and by the people. We vote for who we think best represents our interests as citizens. Most importantly, our votes count! Voting is our Constitutional right and duty and it directly influences the direction of our country." Said Maj. Robert Meanley, Altus Air Force Base installation voting officer.

Here's a list of important upcoming voting-related dates:

1) Armed Forces Absentee Voter Registration Week - 28 Jun - 7 Jul
2) FVAP recommended last day to register to vote absentee - 15 Aug 2010
3) FVAP recommended last day to mail state ballots for overseas voters - 2 Oct 2010
4) FVAP recommended last day to mail state ballots for stateside voters - 25 Oct 2010
5) General Election - Tues, 2 Nov 2010