ALCGPSC 007/20 - 2020 VOTER REGISTRATION AND ABSENTEE BALLOT NOTIFICATION

13 JAN 20

UNCLAS //N01742//
ALCGPSC 007/20
SUBJ: 2020 VOTER REGISTRATION AND ABSENTEE BALLOT NOTIFICATION
A. Coast Guard Voting Assistance Program, COMDTINST 1742.3 (series)
1. The right of U.S. citizens to vote is a fundamental right protected by the
U.S. Constitution. Every eligible voter must have the opportunity to register
and vote, in person or by absentee, in any election for which he or she is
eligible. 2020 is a federal voting year and all eligible voters are
encouraged to vote. 
2. To vote in U.S. elections, members must be registered in their state of
legal residence. If members are not going to be present in their state of
legal residence to vote, they may do so by using an absentee ballot. 
Eligible voters who wish to register and vote absentee should do so by
completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). 
3. The FPCA (SF-76) can be completed easily online at the FVAP website
http://www.fvap.gov.  The website has an automated assistant to help members
complete, save, and print the FPCA. Additionally, they can print a pre-paid
envelope template for submission by mail. The FPCA is postage-paid within the
U.S. Postal Service system, including APO and FPO addresses. Many states and
territories allow return of FPCAs by email or fax. Note: Each state or
territory has specific instructions for completing and submitting to local
election offices.
4. Per Ref C, commands should provide the FPCA to all military personnel and
their eligible family members by:
      a. Communicating to all their members the FPCA availability on
the FVAP website.
      b. Having Unit Voting Assistance Officers conduct training or
briefs on the completion of the FPCA. Training material is available
at http://www.fvap.gov/military-voter/additional-info.
      c. Providing hardcopy FPCAs to members.
      d. Conducting other voting emphasis events or initiatives to ensure all
members understand their rights to vote and have been provided access to the
FPCA.
As election primaries take place as early as 03-Feb-2020, commands should
take action as soon as possible.
5. For questions please contact the Service Voting Action Officer, Ms.
Keirsten Current at keirsten.e.current2(at)uscg.mil.
6. Released by: CAPT G. T. Prestidge, Commander, Personnel Service Center,
sends. The Service Center for Our Most Important Resource – Our People.
7. Internet release is authorized.