Embassy of the United States

Public Services

Voter Registration

U.S. citizens overseas eighteen years of age or older are entitled to vote by absentee ballot. If you are registered in a particular state, you may request absentee ballots from the appropriate local official in that state. Federal law (the Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act) entitles American citizens living abroad to vote at least for federal office in that state or territory where a citizen last resided prior to leaving the United States, regardless of whether you still have a home there or how long ago you left. If you qualify, all states will allow you to vote for federal office (Senator, Congressman). Some states will also allow you to vote for local office (Governor, State legislator, Mayor, Town Council, etc.). Under federal law, states cannot make you liable for state or local income taxes if you vote by absentee ballot for federal offices.  However, some states may consider that voting for local officeholders (e.g., Governor, municipal officials) makes you liable for state/local income taxes.

There is no voting in the Embassy. Voters who want to vote must register in a particular state, as described above, and request an absentee ballot. The absentee ballot is sent by mail (only a few states permit faxed ballots). You, the voter, must mark the ballot and return it to your state. In most states, that ballot must be in the hands of the local official by Election Day. Absentee voters, therefore, should generally apply for absentee ballots at least 45 days prior to the election. If you use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA, see below) it is best to apply at the beginning of the calendar year. Most states will then send you absentee ballots for all federal elections (including primaries) during that calendar year.

There was a general federal election on November 4, 2008. Special elections may be called in individual Congressional districts if a vacancy arises in that seat, e.g., because of death or resignation.

For additional resources about absentee voting, including links to non-partisan sources of information, visit the U.S. Department of State website at www.travel.state.gov/law/info/info_2964.html.

The American Citizens Services Unit (ACS) in the Consular Section can provide further voting assistance for Americans living in Moldova. Prior to a Federal U.S. election, ACS receives Federal Post Card Applications, which are for distribution to Americans wanting to register as overseas absentee voters.

The Federal Voting Assistance Program's (FVAP) website, http://www.fvap.ncr.gov, provides voting-related information and resources for overseas voters. This web site also includes the Voting Assistance Guide, which provides specific information for voters based on their address in the United States.

The following is the basic absentee voting process:

• Complete an application form and send it to your local election official in the United States.
• The local official approves the request, or contacts you for further information.
• The local official sends an absentee ballot.
• Vote with the ballot and send it back in time to meet your state's deadline.

The Voting Assistance Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau is available to answer questions about absentee voting.

To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, please send an e-mail to Chisinau-CA@state.gov.