Under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, military and overseas voters can vote by absentee ballot.

How does a military or overseas voter request an absentee ballot?

In order to vote by absentee ballot, you should submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to the local board of elections in the county in which you are registered to vote.  If you are already registered to vote and are using the FPCA to request an absentee ballot, the FPCA must be received no later than the Tuesday before the election.

You may fax your FPCA if you are already registered to vote and are using it to request an absentee ballot. After you have faxed the FPCA to the local board of elections in the county in which you are registered to vote, mail the FPCA to local election office.

If your FPCA for an absentee ballot is rejected, you will be notified of the reason for the rejection.

If you are qualified to vote by absentee ballot and submit a FPCA to request an absentee ballot, you will automatically receive an absentee ballot for the next two general federal elections (typically a presidential and gubernatorial election). Please complete and submit a new FPCA whenever you move or change your address to ensure that you receive all absentee ballots.

If you are not registered to vote, you can use the FPCA to both register to vote and request an absentee ballot. If you are using the FPCA to register to vote, the FPCA must be mailed and postmarked no later than 21 days before the next election. A FPCA submitted for registration purposes cannot be faxed because Maryland requires an original signature on a voter registration application.

How does a military or overseas voter vote by absentee ballot?

If you qualify for an absentee ballot, you will receive an absentee ballot, instructions, return ballot envelope, and certification of assistance form. Please read and follow the instructions carefully.

Important Reminders:

• The oath on the return ballot envelope must be signed and dated.
• Absentee ballots are typically available for mailing approximately 30 days before the election. If you have requested an absentee ballot but have not received a ballot in a timely manner, you can use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to vote in any election for any offices for which you are eligible to vote.

The following overseas voters are eligible to vote for all Federal, state, and local offices:

• Civilian employees of the U.S. Government serving outside of the United States and its territories and their spouses and dependents; and
• Members of the American Red Cross, Society of Friends, or USO serving with the Armed Forces outside of the United States and their spouses and dependents.

All other overseas voters are eligible to vote for Federal offices only.

What if I don't receive my absentee ballot in time to meet the absentee ballot deadlines?

Under federal law, you may use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot if you:

• Are a military or overseas voter;
• Submitted your request for an absentee ballot by the Tuesday before the election; and
• Have not received the requested regular absentee ballot.