Military service members, here’s what you need to know to vote in California while you’re away – San Diego Union-Tribune

Military service members, here’s what you need to know to vote in California while you’re away  San Diego Union-Tribune

Military service members abroad and other absentee voters can vote in the midterm and local elections with some careful planning. U.S. military personnel and other Americans living abroad need to be aware of some unique steps to take to ensure their absentee ballot gets counted in the California general election Nov. 3. This is especially true for those who want to vote by mail. These voters can also submit their ballots to their home county by fax. Here’s what San Diego-based voters need to know about voting absentee. For more information, go to sdvote.com/content/rov/en/military-and-overseas-voting.html. Eligible California residents, including military, can register to vote online, but should do so sooner, rather than later, especially if they are at sea, so they can get their election materials as soon as possible.

These voters can use registertovote.ca.gov (applicants will immediately be asked to designate their voter classification). Even if you were registered before going abroad, you must update the state about your plan to vote absentee. Those who prefer to register offline can use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) found online at fvap.gov. The form must be returned to the San Diego Registrar of Voters via mail at P.O. Box 85520, San Diego, CA 92186-5520 USA or via fax at 858-505-7294. Voters who were already registered in California before leaving the U.S.