The folks over at the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) have reported that many overseas voters are having problems accessing their state’s online voter registration and election systems.
Apparently, many states are blocking web traffic from foreign countries in an effort to increase the cybersecurity of their online systems.
Since the election is in a few short weeks the FVAP is encouraging overseas voters to return their completed ballots as soon as possible. If the state website to register to vote or access your ballot cannot be reached, contact your state’s election office directly for assistance.
FVAP.gov is always available to help you regardless of your location. The FVAP.gov site includes contact information for local election officials, registration and voting deadlines for all states, as well as a list of international toll-free numbers that can be used to contact FVAP. You can also email vote@fvap.gov.
If you have already requested a state ballot but haven't received one, or if you can't access your state website to download your ballot, go to FVAP.gov and use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), which all states accept as an official backup ballot for federal offices.
The FVAP website also has an interactive online tool that helps you fill out your ballot. The tool saves time and improves accuracy by using your registration address to list all candidates for federal offices for that jurisdiction. After filling out the backup ballot, you must print, sign and send it to your election office using the instructions provided.
If you receive your normal state ballot after submitting the FWAB, you may vote and return the state ballot as well. The state will only count one ballot if both are received by the deadline.
The FVAP is working with states to determine how to best address cybersecurity concerns while ensuring access to key election information and processes for our military, their families, and overseas citizens.
