Bloomberg.com reports that the McCain and Obama campaigns’ battle for Florida has opened a front in Israel.
According to Overseas Vote Foundation (“OVF”), voter participation has grown in Israel and American citizens living there are really engaged in this election. Supporters of both candidates are attempting to win the votes of the estimated 120,000 American citizens in Israel that are eligible to vote, with a particular emphasis being placed on voters from swing states, especially Florida.
There’s still time to get your ballot in. If you are registered but haven’t received a ballot, use OVF’s “Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot” tool and return it to your state using the Express Your Vote ballot return program which is underway now. The program is provided by Overseas Vote Foundation and supported by FedEx in 89 countries. It was well researched with all states prior to launch, and voters can see on the front page www.overseasvotefoundation.org/expressyourvote the list of states that are participating is extensive. (The only state that does not accept express mail ballots is Alabama.)
With Express Your Vote, voters are instructed to staple one copy of the Air Waybill to the ballot envelope – it functions as the postmark. This is known and accepted by all participating states. The program offers highly-discounted rates from Canada, Latin American, Europe and the Middle East. Free shipping is available from 14 Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
These services at these rates, including in many countries, at-your-doorstep-pick-up are not usually available to individuals overseas.
Voters can track their ballots through Express Your Vote and will receive an automatic confirmation of delivery.
Please note: It is very important that all overseas Americans groups support and communicate about Express Your Vote to their member voters. Interest and use of the program will send a very strong message to all express courier companies that this is a good thing to do – to support U.S. overseas voters! Lack of use will send the message that is not needed or appreciated and will affect future willingness on the part of FedEx and other courier companies to invest in similar actions in future elections.
