Are you American? Is Barack Obama your new bicycle? Or are you for the real McCain? Whether you're a Republican, Democrat, independent, or any shade between, voting is the most basic way to participate in democracy.

VoteFromAbroad.org is holding absentee voter registration at the Globe Cafe and Bookstore and Bohemia Bagel's Old town location this weekend (13th and 14th of September) and the next (20th and 21st).

Registration will also be held on the last weekend of the month, though this might be beyond the deadline for some states. The same will be happening at V Jama , though you should check VoteFromAbroad.org for an update on times and dates.

What do you need to bring with you? You need to know the correct spelling of your name (we hope you do), your address here, the last address you held in the U.S., plus your Social Security Number or driver's license number, depending on the state. Closing dates for voter registration vary from state to state. Check VoteFromAbroad.org to get info on your home state, and to use the handy 5-step wizard guide to fill in your absentee registration request.

Voter's FAQ:

Question: I'm a member of Democrats Abroad and I voted in the Global
Presidential Primary this spring. Am I registered for November 4?

Answer: Probably not. In order to vote, you must be registered with your
local election office in your home state. Your state, not Democrats
Abroad, is conducting the election. You must register yourself; we
aren't allowed to do it for you.

Q: I voted from abroad in the 2004 and 2006 elections. Do I need to vote
again this year?

A: Yes. Everyone must re-register in 2008 to vote in the 2008 election.
If you're not sure if you're registered, you can do it again just to be
sure. Do it before the end of September -- in fact, the sooner, the better.

Q: Can I vote if I never voted before or never lived in the United States?

A: Yes. All American citizens born before November 4, 1990, can vote.
You can register to vote at http://www.VoteFromAbroad.org , and the
website will guide you through all the details. You must register to
vote at the last address where you or your parents lived in the United
States.

Q: What happens at www.VoteFromAbroad.org?

A. The site will ask you a series of questions. Because every state has
slightly different requirements for voting, the site will gather the
information you need for your particular state. Then print, sign, and
send in the form to the address that VoteFromAbroad gives you. The site
also allows you to print an addressed envelope. The site is
confidential, and it will register everyone regardless of their voting
preference.

Q: What if my ballot doesn't arrive in time?

A: You should get your ballot from your state in mid-October. If it
doesn't arrive, you can use a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. You can
get one as a PDF that is based on your state's requirements, along with
detailed instructions, at http://www.VoteFromAbroad.org . If your regular
ballot arrives later, you can use it, and your local election officials
will count it instead of the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. A special
FAQ about the Federal Write-In Ballot is at:
http://www.votefromabroad.org/faq.php?adid=KDAW9990001071701

Q: When should I send in my ballot?

A: Although some states have deadlines for absentee ballots after
November 4, it's good to mail it early. Fill it out, sign it, and mail
it as soon as it arrives to be sure you beat your state's deadline.
Remember to use enough postage.

Q: Will I have to pay taxes if I vote?

A: No, if you only vote for federal offices: President, Senator, and
Congressional Representative. Some states may require you to pay state
or local taxes if you vote for state or local offices or referenda.
Consult http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/howtodoit.pdf or a legal advisor if you
need more information.

If you have more questions:

You can find state-by-state deadlines including special deadlines for
military voters, state voter registration links, and more details about
taxes at: https://www.democratsabroad.org/vote

You (and your friends) can send your voting questions to
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Our experts will be glad to answer you!
Every vote counts, especially yours.
 

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