[Image via elevenews]

Believe it or not, the 2020 election cycle is here – and one of the first indications is that the Federal Voting Assistance Program is seeking public comments on two key forms for military and overseas voters: the Federal Post Card Application and the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. Here’s the release at FVAP.gov:

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) requires that the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) prescribe two standard federal forms. Both forms require review and public comment every three years. The FPCA (SF-76), can be used to register to vote, request an absentee ballot and update contact information, while the FWAB (SF-186) serves as a backup ballot if the voter doesn’t receive a requested ballot in time.

 FVAP leveraged feedback from voters and election officials to update the forms to clarify their use and requirements.

 The revised forms simplify instructions for voters and include:

  • Clarification of National Guard classification for use of the form.
  • Alterations to the list of states requiring additional information.
  • Clarification of registration and ballot request instructions.

 Form usability is an essential part of the redesign process. To help ensure the form is easy and intuitive from a voter’s perspective, please download and complete it as if you were registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot or voting the FWAB. Provide usability comments via the links below.

To view the FPCA Federal Register Notice: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOD-2018-OS-0092-0001

To view the Draft FPCA Form: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=DOD-2018-OS-0092

To view the FWAB Federal Register Notice: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOD-2018-OS-0091-0001

To view the Draft FWAB Form: https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=DOD-2018-OS-0091

To submit comments and suggestions online: Comments and usability feedback should be submitted on the Federal eRulemaking Portal using the links above or https://www.regulations.gov by January 22, 2019.

Submit comments and usability feedback by mail at the address below by January 19, 2019:

Department of Defense

Office of the Chief Management Officer

Directorate for Oversight and Compliance

4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24 Suite 08D09

Alexandria, VA 22350-1700

Normally, a Federal Register notice isn’t big news (not even on this blog!), but both of these forms are vitally important to UOCAVA voters; consequently, feedback and comments are crucial so that the forms can be ready when voting for 2020 begins in earnest with the Presidential primary season, which is (gulp) about fourteen months away.

Take a look, share your thoughts – and stay tuned …

 

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