September 8, 2008
Americans living in Canada can vote in the General Election by absentee ballot without ever leaving their homes. They do not need to visit a Consulate or travel back to the United States to participate in the election process.
For complete information, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.fvap.gov). On the home page, select 'I am a citizen living outside the U.S.' and then, on the next page, select 'Register to Vote / Request an Absentee Ballot'. That link will take you to a map of the United States. Click on your home state to bring up all of the information and resources you will need. Each state's 'Step 1' has a link to a printable absentee ballot request form, which you should complete and return to the county clerk or board of elections in the county in which you last resided. A complete list of addresses for all county clerks in that state can be found at the end of the 'More Information on Absentee Voting Guidelines' document linked in the 'Resources' section of your state's page.
You should vote through the county in the United States in which you last resided. If you never lived in the United States but gained your citizenship through a parent, you should vote through the country where your American parent last resided (using their former address as your registration address).
If your application is accepted (and, by law, you must be notified if it is not), you will automatically receive an absentee ballot at your Canadian address about 15-30 days before the General Election.
Complete this process every year to ensure that your name remains on the voting roster in your county.
If you have any questions or problems, you can contact an officer at the Federal Voting Assistance Program toll-free from Canada by dialing 1.800.438.8683 or contact Republicans Abroad Canada for additional information and assistance. |
