Absentee Ballots

[withroaj]

I'd like to aplogize first for putting up yet another new thread for the Moderators to dig through.

I know that this might be more of a command question, but I am looking for some inputs from the folks out there about past experiences with absentee ballots while on Active Duty.  This year I have lived at four different addresses so far, and I have already missed one special election in my state (Colorado).  I haven't had this problem in the past because I've had a somewhat permanent address for time spent at previous commands (at least long enough to cover election cycles).

Any of you fellers have issues with your absentee ballots in the past?

Also -- for the folks just joining the Navy:  you should probably register to vote.  A voting booth is a great place to gripe about issues with the government.  Do your homework, too.  Rock stars might be exciting and inspirational, but it helps to know what they're going to do with you (I'm not making a reference to any political candidate here ).  It might also help to know who represents your Congressional district and what they will do for/against you (less than 10% congressional approval rating will still yield greater than 80% incumbency this season).   Doesn't make much sense to raise your hand and swear to defend a system you don't participate in...

Visit http://www.fvap.gov/ to get started.

[RDTroja]

As a moderator (OK, not this section's moderator, but I think I speak for the rest) I want to tell you to post away. Start new topics as you see the need for them. That is exactly why this site is here -- to disseminate and gather information valuable to nukeworkers, Navy or commercial.

If you create a thread in the wrong place we will move it (and probably provide some painless coaching.) If you create threads that are inappropriate (I can't see that happening) we will let you know. When (if) things get out of hand we will take control as necessary. Follow the Forum rules and go to town.

[withroaj]

Even with this competition?

Paris Hilton announces Presidential campaign.

[G-reg]

Has your Home of Record changed since you joined the Navy?

Regardless of where I physically lived during any given election, I always voted in the state/county/city of my permanent Home of Record.  So, as far as voter registration goes, my address never changed the whole time I was in the Navy.  The flip side of this however, was that I could never vote in the 'local' elections wherever I was stationed - because I always maintained by registration as a voter in my original home state.

(P.S.  If your Home of Record has changed since you joined the Navy, then I'm in over my head on this topic, and I shall promptly hush up and wade back over into the shallow end of the kiddie pool.   )

[DDMurray]

(P.S.  If your Home of Record has changed since you joined the Navy, then I'm in over my head on this topic, and I shall promptly hush up and wade back over into the shallow end of the kiddie pool.   )

I changed my home of record to Florida in 1990.  Registering to vote in Florida was part of the requirements to change my residency.  I have been getting absentee ballots at every place I've lived since (HI, SC, & CT).  I just notify my county clerk via phone and they send me what I need to re-register.  I even get local (Orlando/Orange county) ballots some years though you can opt out of them.  I get mail and even occasional phone calls from the candidates.  Hope this helps.

Derek

[withroaj]

...  Hope this helps.

Derek

Absolutely.  I appreciate it.

[withroaj]

And when you do get your absentee ballot in the mail.....

Remember....

I have to say that I am a bit of a crazy redneck, so I will have to watch polling in CO to decide whether to vote Libertarian.  If it is a swing state I go McCain.  If solid for either major party candidate I go Bob Barr.  I wouldn't want to sabotage the electoral process and lose a potential McCain majority in my state, but if either guy has a lock on Colorado (normally a Red State, but iffy this year -- damn California transplants ) I would like to help get a third party in the game for 2012.

[Roll Tide]

Never let your federal vote be uncounted again:
http://www.fvap.gov/uniformed-service-members/index.html

This was a response partially to my complaint to my congressman for missing an election due to the AL time limits for an absentee ballot.
Just make sure you get a post-mark on it, in case Al Gore sends lawyers AGAIN to weed out absentee ballots sitting in the country on election day that never got post-marked invalidated.

[HydroDave63]

I have to say that I am a bit of a crazy redneck, so I will have to watch polling in CO to decide whether to vote Libertarian.  If it is a swing state I go McCain.  If solid for either major party candidate I go Bob Barr.  I wouldn't want to sabotage the electoral process and lose a potential McCain majority in my state, but if either guy has a lock on Colorado (normally a Red State, but iffy this year -- damn California transplants ) I would like to help get a third party in the game for 2012.

Both the Presidential election, and your local northern CO Congressperson's race are going to be too close to call in this election.