Military and Overseas
Uniformed Services and Overseas Citizens Online Voting Pilot Project
Military and overseas voters from five West Virginia counties will have a unique absentee voting opportunity for the upcoming May primary elections. An online voting pilot project has been implemented in Jackson, Kanawha, Marshall, Monongalia, and Wood Counties. The pilot program allows voters covered by the U.S. Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) to access and cast their ballots through a secured website. Click here for more information on this program.
Military & Overseas Citizens Absentee 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 by the voter registration book closing deadline which is 21 days before an election.
Recent legislation allows overseas voters the ability to vote an absentee ballot through a secure fax line or by email receipt. During the entire period of early voting, the Department of Defense will forward to each of the participating county clerks their received absentee ballots between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The ballots can be faxed until the close of polls on election day. Be sure to contact your county clerk to see if they are participating.
Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot(FWAB) can be accessed here.
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 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 within the U.S. Please contact your voting assistance officer 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.
Where can I obtain the FPCA?
From the following locations:
- The online version of the FPCA (OFPCA) and instruction for filling out the form can be found at the Federal Voting Assistance Programs site: http://www.fvap.gov/.
- From the Overseas Vote Foundation.
- The United States Consulate or Embassy.
- Voting Assistance Officer.
What should I do after I have completed the FPCA?
The FPCA must be mailed to your County Clerk.
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 you at the address, fax or email noted on the application. The voted ballot must be mailed or faxed through the designated line to the County Clerk and must be received in the clerk's office before the appropriate deadline.
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.
What if I am a West Virginia resident who will be out of the county, state or country on Election Day?
Any overseas citizen, military person or military person's dependent(s) who will be out of your county on Election Day can vote early in person at the County Clerk's office. If you are unable to vote early in person at the County Clerk's office, you can request an absentee ballot application be mailed or faxed to you.