FVAP requests feedback on key forms in preparation for 2016 elections

FVAP requests feedback on key forms in preparation for 2016 elections

The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) (SF-76) and Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) (SF 186) forms are being opened for review in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and to ensure their availability for the 2016 election cycle. The two forms are available on the Federal Register for your review and comment.

The Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget seek technical and design comments and recommendations from:

• Military members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens who use the forms
• State and local election officials who process these forms
• Organizations who assist the above groups
• Members of the general public

Form usability is an important part of this redesign process. Help ensure the forms are intuitive and easy to use by downloading and completing the forms as if you were registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot or completing a back-up ballot. Provide any usability comments using the process below.

Suggestions are welcome on all aspects of the forms: wording, flow and design, form instructions, and technical issues via the Federal Register system. The ultimate goal of this review process is to help ensure the voter is able to provide all required information on the first submission, and subsequently reduce the need for unnecessary communication between voters and election officials.

Please note there have been no changes made to the forms since the release of the 2013 editions. A summary of the changes from previous editions can be found in the Supplementary Information section of the Federal Register Notices. When submitting comments and suggestions, please indicate if you are a military or overseas citizen absentee voter, an election official or a member of the general public.

To view Federal Register Notices:

FPCA: https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-27225

FWAB: https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-27221

To view draft forms, copy/paste the following URL into your browser. Clicking the link may not work.

FPCA: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=DOD-2014-OS-0152

FWAB: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=DOD-2014-OS-0151

To submit comments and suggestions:

Online: Comments and usability feedback must be submitted on the Federal eRulemarking Portal. Use the links above or http://www.regulations.gov. Comments submitted directly to FVAP cannot be incorporated.

Mail:

Federal Docket Management System Office
4800 Mark Center Drive
East Tower, Suite 02G09
Alexandria, VA 22350-3100

Please pass this notice on to anyone who may have valuable input toward improvement of the forms.

FVAP works to ensure Service members, their eligible family members and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so – from anywhere in the world. Contact FVAP at 1-800-438-VOTE or Vote@fvap.gov with questions.