Register to Vote NOW!

American citizens should register to vote now for the November 4, 2008 presidential and general elections. Keep in mind that many states close voter registration 30 days before the general election. Please don’t forget the time it takes for voting forms to reach the U.S. by mail.

For voters who have not already done so, the best way to register to vote or request an absentee ballot is to complete a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) on the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at www.fvap.gov. Follow the links to your state where you will find detailed instructions on how to register, request a ballot and submit your forms. You should also complete a new FPCA if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

FPCAs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the U.S. through the regular international mail or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some states also accept FPCAs by fax or e-mail. Please see www.fvap.gov for details.

Voting

***Please note that there are currently no provisions for in-person voting at U.S. consulates or embassies abroad***

Based on your state and county election procedures, your local voting officials will send your absentee ballot approximately 30 to 45 days before the November 4th general election. Along with regular mail, many states now allow electronic transmission (e.g. fax or email) of voting materials. It is recommended that you return your voted ballot as early as possible. Be aware of your state’s ballot receipt deadline, as well as any postmarking requirements. Please see www.fvap.gov for details.

"Express Your Vote" – free express shipping of election ballots with FedEx

For the 2008 election cycle, the Overseas Vote Foundation and FedEx have partnered to offer an express mail option for returning election ballots. For voters residing in China, FedEx is offering free express shipping services from September 15th to October 29th, 2008. Every state and territory except Alabama is participating in this program and will accept ballots received via FedEx.

Please see the following link for details of the program: https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/overseas/ExpressYourVote.htm.

Follow the links for China to find out where to drop off your ballots and how to create an "Express Your Vote" FedEx waybill. Please note that although the Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming and Guiyang FedEx offices are not listed as drop-off locations, they are all willing to accept ballots. The addresses and contact information for the four locations are as follows:

FedEx Chengdu Station:
Cheng Nan Technology Square, No.399 Fan Xiong Avenue, Hi-Tech Zone, Chengdu
Tel: 028-85323866 / 85312955
Business hrs: Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00

机构名称：联邦快递中国有限公司成都分公司
机构地址：中国四川省成都市高新区繁雄大道399号城南科技广场
邮编:610041
工作时间：周一至周六 早九点至下午六点
联系电话：028-85312955 / 85323866

FedEx Chongqing Station:
No.8 Jincheng Rd Yubei District Chong Qing City China
Tel: 023-67038405
Business hrs: Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00'

机构名称：联邦快递中国有限公司重庆分公司
机构地址：重庆市渝北区锦橙路8号 
邮编: 401120
工作时间：周一至周六 早九点至下午六点
联系电话：023-67038405

FedEx Kunming Station:
NO.448  RIXIN  VILLAGE, Kunming City China
Tel: 0871-6322188 / 6322178 / 6322180
Business hrs: Monday-Saturday:   10:00-17:30

机构名称：联邦快递中国有限公司昆明分公司
机构地址：昆明市官渡区日新村448号  
邮编:610041
工作时间：周一至周六 早十点至五点半
联系电话：0871-6322188 / 6322178 / 6322180

FedEx Guiyang Station:
No.60 Pantaogong Road Yunyan District Guiyang City China
Tel: 0851-5610348/ 5610285 / 5610576
Business hrs: Monday-Saturday 09:00-18:00

机构名称：联邦快递中国有限公司贵阳分公司
机构地址：贵阳市云岩区蟠桃宫路60号
邮编: 550002
工作时间：周一至周六 早九点至下午六点
联系电话：0851-5610348/ 5610285 / 5610576

Besides the free FedEx "Express Your Vote" service, other (fee for service) courier options in China include DHL. See www.dhl.com for more details.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials. You can access the FWAB using www.fvap.gov.

Questions

The Voting Assistance Officer at the US Consulate General Chengdu is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, please send an e-mail toVoteChengdu@state.gov.