The upcoming November 2020 U.S. elections are fast approaching, and U.S. citizens residing in Serbia have the opportunity to vote from abroad. The U.S. Embassy is offering assistance to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the election process.
Voting from abroad involves a three-step process, which should be initiated as early as possible. First, voters must request their ballot by completing a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) at FVAP.gov. This application allows for absentee ballots to be requested for all federal offices, including primaries and special elections within the year it is submitted. "All FPCA forms that are correctly filled out and include a signature and date are accepted by all local election officials in all U.S. states and territories," according to the press release.
Voters are encouraged to use FVAP’s online assistant to complete the FPCA based on their state requirements. Opting for electronic receipt of ballots via email, internet download, or fax is recommended as it is the fastest method available.
The second step involves receiving and completing the ballot. States are mandated to send out ballots 45 days before a regular federal election and generally do so at least 30 days before primary elections. Most states offer online confirmation of registration and ballot delivery.
Finally, voters must return their completed ballots. Some states permit electronic submission while others require mail returns. For those needing to mail their ballots, they can utilize services at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade where "U.S. citizens can drop off their FPCA forms or completed ballots at the Consular Access gate." The embassy provides postage-paid envelopes for convenience.
Ballots sent through diplomatic post office (DPO) may take up to 3-4 weeks for transit; hence voters should plan accordingly and aim to submit by October 12, 2020.
In addition to these steps, several frequently asked questions were addressed in the press release:
- A voter's U.S. voting residence address is typically their last place of residence before moving overseas.
- Voting cannot occur in person at the embassy since elections are managed at the state level.
- The FPCA covers requests for absentee ballots for all federal elections within a calendar year.
- Absentee ballots should be sent by state election offices at least 45 days prior to an election.
- If an official absentee ballot does not arrive on time, voters can use a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup.
For more detailed information regarding voting procedures from abroad, individuals are advised to visit FVAP.gov.