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 Military and Overseas Voting Information 

 
Voters covered by the Uniformed and Overseas Voters Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) must apply for an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)* or the West Virginia Absentee Ballot Application.  The voter must send their completed application to the county clerk's office where they are registered to vote.  Absentee ballot applications may be received as early as January 1 of an election year or 84 days before an election. The application must be RECEIVED by the county clerk no later than 6 days before the election in order to be processed.   

            Deadline for Absentee Ballot Applications to be Received for 2012 Elections
                    Primary:  May 2, 2011
                    General:  October 31, 2011

Please contact your County Clerk if you need more information.

UOCAVA voters can track the status of their ballots on the web.
Track your ballot here

 *The FPCA also serves as a voter registration application, if needed.  Voter registration closes on the 21st day before a regularly scheduled election.

 

  

  

Military and Overseas Voting FAQ 


How do I apply for an absentee ballot?  
  • You will need to complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA can be used as an application for an absentee ballot and to register to vote in West Virginia.
  • If you want to register to vote, the FPCA must be received or postmarked at least 21 days before an election.

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Where can I obtain a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot?
  • The FWAB is a back-up ballot that can be obtained from the voter's U.S. Embassy or military voting assistance officer. It can be used by a voter under three very specific conditions. To be eligible to vote with this back-up ballot, a U.S. Citizen must:
    • Be located outside the U.S. (an APO/FPO address is considered outside the U.S.). New federal rules may allow a military voter to vote with the FWAB if located in the U.S.. Please contact your military voting assistance office for further clarification.
    • Apply for a state absentee ballot early enough so that the County Clerk receives the request at least 30 days before the Election.
    • Not have received the requested State's absentee ballot.
  • The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot can be accessed here.

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Where can I obtain the Federal Post Card Application?

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What should I do after I have completed the FPCA?

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What can I expect after I have sent my request for an absentee ballot?
  • The County Clerk will verify the information on the FPCA and send an absentee ballot to the address, fax or email noted on the application. The voted ballot must be mailed, faxed or emailed to the County Clerk, and must be received in the Clerk's office before the appropriate deadline.
    • For mailed ballots:  Must be postmarked by Election Day and received before the start of the elections canvass 5 business days after the election.
    • For faxed and emailed ballots:  Must be received by the time the polls close on Election Day (7:30pm local time).

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What if I require further assistance?
  • Each Military Service and State Department has a Voting Assistance Officer who is the contact for your inquiries. The Voting Assistance Officer can be reached through the Voting Information Center.

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What if I am a West Virginia resident who will be out of the country, state or county on Election day?
  • Any overseas citizen, military member or military member's dependent who will be out of the country on Election Day can vote early at the County Clerk's office. If you are unable to vote during the 13-day Early Voting period at the County Clerk's office, you can request an absentee ballot application to be mailed, faxed or emailed to you.

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