The incomparable Overseas Vote Foundation has launched the “Express Your Vote” program, which gives US voters residing overseas a dependable, discounted delivery service, provided by FedEx Express and set up so ballots are returned in time to be counted for the November 2, 2010 midterm elections.
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Support OVF
It’s an off election year, and the excitement of the 2008 presidential race is behind us, but the important work of ensuring and strengthening our right to vote goes on. Please support the Overseas Vote Foundation in its work on behalf of all Americans abroad.
Express Your Vote
All overseas voters should know about 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 as 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.
OverseasVote Channel
Overseas Vote Foundation (“OVF”), the organization at the cutting-edge of absentee voting issues for Americans abroad now has a YouTube channel — the OverseasVote Channel — with dozens of videos on voting from overseas.
This is in addition to the revolutionary and simple to use OVF voter registration wizard, and the recently announced Express Your Vote program with FedEx that allows Americans abroad to send their ballots via FedEx for free or at steep discounts, and the new online Vote-Print-Mail Ballot System that allows voters to complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) more easily and with fewer errors.
Efforts increase to enfranchise U.S. citizens abroad – International Herald Tribune
Things are looking up in DC for Americans abroad according to a recent International Herald Tribune article by Brian Knowlton, Efforts increase to enfranchise U.S. citizens abroad – International Herald Tribune. In addition to the roll-out of the elegant new Overseas Vote Foundation website in October, the article reports that the Federal Voting Assitance Program, will soon launch a new site that includes plans to allow voters from twelve states to scan and e-mail completed voter registration and ballot rewuest forms.
What is more, Congresswoman Maloney and Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA) have both introduced bills to address problems with voting from abroad. And significantly, IHT reports that:
Three nonpartisan groups – American Citizens Abroad, the Association of Americans Resident Overseas, and the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas – announced their “unified, strong support.”
According to Mr. Knowlton, “Democrats Abroad, called the legislation “practical” and added, “We’re really delighted.” But Cynthia Dillon, executive director of Republicans Abroad International, had no comment.” It is disappointing that Republicans Abroad had no comment. I hope they will rectify that and support these efforts to ensure that all American’s are able to exercise the fundamental right to vote.
In a related news the IHT notes that the House Americans Abroad Caucus launched earlier this year by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) has trebled its size. Incidentally, while the caucus is bipartisan, it still needs a Senate counterpart to be bicameral. Ask your Representative to join and encourage your Senators to launch an Americans Abroad Caucus in the Senate. As I mentioned in an earlier post on this subject, the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas, Inc. has a sample letter here.
