1.       Who qualifies as a Overseas Citizen?

Anyone living overseas, permanently or temporarily, who is in one of the following categories:

(1)       Individuals serving in the armed forces of the United States, including, but not limited to, the army, the navy, the air force, the marine corps, the coast guard, the Merchant Marine, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service, and members of the national guard and military reserve.
(2)       Spouses of persons serving in the armed forces of the United States.
(3)       Civilians attached to and serving outside the US with the armed forces of the United States.
(4)       Members of the Peace Corps.

2.       Am I registered in Mecklenburg County?

Go to http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/votersearch/seimsvot.htm and type in your name.

3.       How do I register in Mecklenburg County?

a. You can download a Registration form from our website under Voter Information.
b. You can download a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) from our website under Voter Information or from http://www.fvap.gov/ (the U.S. Department of Defense Voting Assistance Program website).

4.       Is it legal to register at my former Mecklenburg County residence while I am overseas?

Yes, if that was your last permanent address before moving overseas.

5.       How do I change my address?

You can change your address by sending us:
a. A registration form which you can download from our website under Voter Information.
b. A FPCA which you can download from our website under Voter Information or from http://www.fvap.gov/ (the U.S. Department of Defense Voting Assistance Program website).

6.       How do I request an Absentee Ballot?

You may request your absentee Ballot on the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) which you can download from our website under Voter Information or from www.fvap.gov (the U.S. Department of Defense Voting Assistance Program website).  

However, if you are planning to only be overseas for a short period of time, a letter requesting absentee ballots may be more appropriate since FPCA’s are good for 3 or 4 years.  The request should include the voter’s name, the voter’s Mecklenburg County address, the address where ballots should be mailed, birth date (helpful for verification purposes, but not required) and the request must be signed.   

7.       How long is a FPCA good for?

The FPCA is good for two (2) federal elections. A request made in 2006 will be good for all 2006, 2007  and 2008 elections. A request made in 2007 will be good for all 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 elections, because there will be federal elections in 2008 & 2010.

8.       Can I email or fax my request in?

Requests may be faxed, but not emailed. Email may be used to ask general questions, but not for Absentee requests.  Fax your request to: 704-319-9722.

9.       How can I get information about when elections are going to be held?

We provide that information on our website under Election Information.

10.   How can I get information about the Candidates?

You can read the local papers or their websites, local radio and TV websites, contact the local party headquarters or the Candidates themselves. (See the Related Links on our website)