Voting is the essence of our democracy and one of our most important Constitutional rights. Our elected officials have tremendously important jobs and the good news is you have a voice in who gets to do them if you vote.

The primaries began in January with the Iowa Caucus and continue through June 2008. You can exercise your right to vote by completing the Federal Post card Application (FPCA Standard Form 76) or complying with the ballot request procedures enacted by the state in which you vote.

The FPCA Standard Form 76, or other request, should be mailed or sent electronically as soon as possible. You should then receive your absentee ballot as you requested it. The Federal Assistance Program has been working with the states to allow ballots to be submitted and received electronically. Check with your Unit Voting Assistance Officer (UVAO) for your state requirements.

It is important that you complete and send in your ballot immediately after receipt to ensure it is received by your hometown local election officials no later than your stateís deadline. If you are an overseas voter and have not received your regular absentee ballot 30 to 45 days prior to your stateís deadline, you should complete a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) and send it to your local election official. If you later receive your absentee ballot, you should also complete and send it in.

Mailing guidelines differ from state to state; therefore we recommend you check your stateís guidelines by contacting your UVAO, or by visiting the Army Voting Assistance Program Website at www.vote.army.mil.