New hoops for overseas voters?
Can't decide if this is deep state sabotage or an effort to boost numbers from ex-pat voters (who I imagine skew R because of the military and number of people living overseas for tax benefits).
I've been on the mailing list for a US consulate overseas for the last fifteen years despite not living in that country for ages (long story). Today I got the following email the likes of which I can't recall ever receiving under the last two presidents:
"Your vote counts! Did you know that many U.S. elections for house and senate seats have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters? All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline.
Follow a few simple steps to make sure that you can vote in the 2018 U.S. elections:
1. Request Your Ballot: Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
. You must complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2018 to ensure you receive your ballot for the 2018 elections. The completion of the FPCA allows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted. The FPCA
is accepted by all local election officials in all U.S. states and territories.
You can complete the FPCA online at www.FVAP.gov
. The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state. We encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state). Include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option. Return the FPCA per the instructions on the website. FVAP.gov will tell you if your state allows the FPCA
to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original signature. If you must return a paper version, please see below for mailing options.
[...]
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program's (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov
[...]
Remember, your vote counts!
Be absent but accounted for!"
I've never had to fill out a FPCA before. If I'm already registered, does this mean I can't vote unless I fill out another new form? Or am I being ridiculously paranoid and reading too much into this.
= new reply since forum marked as read
