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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsChange to Ballot Request Form Angers U.S. Expat
WASHINGTON The Pentagon office with responsibilities for assisting U.S. military and civilian overseas voters is issuing a new ballot-request form that requires civilian voters to make an all-or-none declaration either that they plan to return to the United States or have no intent of ever doing so.
Expatriate groups say the choice is confusing and unfair, carries potential tax ramifications and could depress voting in ways that might affect close elections in November.
The new form, the Federal Post Card Application, is issued by the Federal Voting Assistance Program, the agency legally charged to assist all overseas voters. It resides in the Pentagon. The form is used to help voters abroad register and obtain ballots.
In the past, the form allowed a less absolute response that the voter was either residing abroad temporarily or indefinitely but the new form leaves civilian voters only these choices: I am a U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S., and I intend to return, or I am a U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S., and I do not intend to return.
The Pentagon office says it needs the information to help election officials decide whether to send out just federal ballots or federal and local ballots.
WASHINGTON The Pentagon office with responsibilities for assisting U.S. military and civilian overseas voters is issuing a new ballot-request form that requires civilian voters to make an all-or-none declaration either that they plan to return to the United States or have no intent of ever doing so.
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Expatriate groups say the choice is confusing and unfair, carries potential tax ramifications and could depress voting in ways that might affect close elections in November.
The new form, the Federal Post Card Application, is issued by the Federal Voting Assistance Program, the agency legally charged to assist all overseas voters. It resides in the Pentagon. The form is used to help voters abroad register and obtain ballots.
In the past, the form allowed a less absolute response that the voter was either residing abroad temporarily or indefinitely but the new form leaves civilian voters only these choices: I am a U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S., and I intend to return, or I am a U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S., and I do not intend to return.
The Pentagon office says it needs the information to help election officials decide whether to send out just federal ballots or federal and local ballots.
harmonicon
(12,008 posts)So, part of my punishment for seeking the best life I can wherever I may find it is losing voting rights? No fucking way.
flor-de-jasmim
(2,125 posts)... plan on moving? Will you ever need an absentee ballot, or can we count on you to stay in the area when elections come around?
As an ex-pat myself, I am aware that there could also be implications at the foreign end, as well.