Voting assistance program stands ready Published Aug. 28, 2008 By Danielle Gregory Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- America is in an election year and on Nov. 4, a new president will be chosen. Some have deemed this election as one of the most important and historical elections ever. The week of Aug. 31 begins Armed Forces Voters Week. The primary purpose of this week is to highlight that all citizens voting under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act should register to vote or request an absentee ballot. "AFVW marks the last week when military and overseas citizens can send in the Federal Post Card Application, SF-76,to register as an absentee voter with their local election offices and to receive their absentee ballot in time to vote in the November election," said Katrina Bradfield, voting assistant officer. Ms. Bradfield listed several items to consider. Register to vote and request your ballot early. If a recent move has occurred, submit a new Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Request form with the new mailing address. Sign and date all election materials as directed. Fulfill state's witness/notary requirements if it's required. Make sure that Registration/Absentee Ballot Request and voted ballots are postmarked and returned as soon as they're received. A voter should also use the back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot if the requested state absentee ballot has not arrived in time to ensure delivery by the state's deadline. Specific information regarding registration and absentee ballot request form deadlines is located in the 2008- 2009 Voting Assistance Guide as well as online at the FVAP website, www.fvap.gov, under State by State Instructions. Tinker's internal homepage also has a link to this website. Still need help? Contact the local Voting Assistance Officer for assistance.