What is the registration process for overseas voters?

In Illinois, the registration process for overseas voters is very simple. First, the voter must fill out a “Federal Post Card Application,” also known as an FPCA. This form includes personal information, such as name, address, and date of birth. The voter must also indicate whether they are a US citizen. The FPCA should then be sent to the local election authority. If the voter is trying to register in their home state, the form should be sent to the state’s election office. If the voter is trying to register in a different state, the form should be sent to the Federal Voting Assistance Program. The election authority will review the FPCA and, if eligible, register the voter. The voter will then be sent a “Ballot Access Notice” which includes the voter’s voting instructions and the address of the polling place or the address to which the voter should mail their voted ballot. In order to be eligible for overseas voter registration, the voter must be a US citizen, at least 18 years old, a legal resident of the state in which they are registering, and must have been absent from their voting precinct for the past 30 days. Once registered, the overseas voter can request an absentee ballot and be sure their vote counts. It’s important to register early to ensure that the absentee ballot can be received and voted in time for the election.

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