Information For Citizens

Voter Registration and Assistance

SPECIAL NOTICE:

The US Consulate General, Casablanca, Morocco, would like to inform all American Citizens residing in Morocco that the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) is now available online at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefwab.html.

Also, there is a link to applicable state regulations: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/vagchapter3.html and recent press releases: http://fvap.gov/pubs/releases/2004/2004list.html.

The Federal Government has assisted U.S. citizens in absentee voting since 1942. The current federal voting assistance program is based on the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1975, as amended. In addition to the federal laws governing absentee registration and voting, most states permit U.S. citizens residing abroad to register for and vote absentee in state elections.

The Secretary of Defense has been designated to supervise the administration of federal voting assistance responsibilities under the Act. The Secretary of State shares the responsibility for publicizing the right to vote in federal elections, the procedures available to enforce that right, and the availability of expedited mail delivery of ballot material. Consular officers at embassies and consulates abroad provide non-partisan voting information and assistance in completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which is used to register to vote and to request absentee ballots.The Federal Post card Application (FPCA) is a postage free post-card printed and distributed by the federal government for use by absentee voters. The FPCA serves as a simultaneous registration form and application for an absentee ballot. However, the extent and manner of use are controlled by State law and sometimes by local procedure. To receive the FPCA or for additional voting information, please contact the Federal Voter Assistance Program at http://www.fvap.gov/

If your state requires the registration or ballot to be signed under oath, we can provide that service at no charge. Our American Citizen Services office is open from 8:30 to 9:30 AM and from 1:30 to 3:00 PM, except on Wednesdays, for any voting services.  

The Federal Voting Assistance Program and ten states are sponsoring an Internet registration and voting project for the 2004 elections.  The Secure Electronic Registration and Voting Experiment (SERVE) will provide a secure and reliable means for Uniformed Services members and overseas citizens to register and vote in their home jurisdiction from any Windows-based computer anywhere in the world.  For more information, visit the SERVE website at:  http://www.serveusa.gov/public/aca.aspx

Voting is our civic duty. Please visit the following website for overseas voting information:

http://www.fvap.gov/

http://www.serveusa.gov/

http://rabat.usembassy.gov/

If you have any additional inquiries, we can be reached at acscasablanca@state.gov

Important Questions:

What is my legal state of residence?

Your "legal state of residence" for voting purposes is the state in which you last resided immediately prior to your departure from the U.S. This right extends to overseas citizens even though they may no longer own property or have other ties to their last state of residence and their intent to return to that state may be uncertain.

Keep in mind that exercising your right to vote in elections for Federal offices only does not affect the determination of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, state or local law. Voting in an election for Federal office only may not be used as the sole basis to determine residency for the purposes of imposing state and local taxes. If you claim a particular state as your residence and have other ties with that state in addition to voting then you may be liable for state and local taxation, depending upon that particular state law. Appendix E of the 2004-05 Voting Assistance Guide contains information on probable tax obligations. Consult your legal counsel for specific questions.

Is it possible to register to vote or cast my ballot electronically?

Often, transmitting voting materials by mail may delay timely receipt and return of materials. When such conditions exist, possibly preventing an individual from voting, faxing may be possible. Generally, there are three possibilities or combinations allowed by states:
1. Send the FPCA or registration and ballot request by fax.
2. Receive the blank ballot by fax.
3. Return the voted ballot by fax.
The Voting Assistance Guide explains the fax process, each state's procedures and provides a fax cover sheet. Always mail the original FPCA and voted ballot after faxing.

After casting my vote, how do I return my absentee ballot to the U.S.?
You can return your absentee ballot to the U.S. by mailing it to the United States from your local Moroccan post office (postage required). You can also send your ballot or ballot request by DHL. For more details, please contact your local DHL office. Alternatively, you can submit your completed ballot to the U.S. Consulate General American Citizen Services section during normal business hours for no-cost shipment to the U.S.

In some states, you may also be able to return your ballot by fax. Check your state's Voting Assistance Guide for more information.

What if I have not received my absentee ballot by early October?

States and territories normally distribute ballots 30-45 days before the election. Please note that in most states three conditions must be fulfilled: 1) the voter must be overseas, 2) the voter must have applied for a regular ballot with their local election official at least 30 days before the election, 3) the voter has not received the requested ballot.

Will I be taxed by my last state or territory of residence if I vote absentee?

Exercising your right to vote in elections for Federal offices only, does not affect the determination of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, state, or local law. Voting in an election for Federal office only may not be used as the sole basis to determine residency for the purpose of imposing state and local taxes. If you claim a particular state or territory as your residence and have other ties with that state or territory in addition to voting, then you may be liable for state and local taxation, depending upon the laws of that particular state or territory.

From Frequently Asked Questions, Federal Voting Assistance Program Website http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/faq.html

State Income Taxation of Military Personnel and United States Citizens Residing Outside of the United States:

State-by-State taxation information is available at

http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/textvag/appendix_e.txt
Section 911 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) permits United States citizens who reside abroad to exclude from their gross income up to $80,000 of foreign earned income in tax year 2003 and a certain recognized amount for housing. This exclusion applies to taxpayers living abroad who were present in a foreign country or countries for 330 days out of any 12 consecutive months. The housing cost amount is the excess of the taxpayer's expenses over a base housing amount. The base housing amount is equal to 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14 government employee. As of January 1, 2003, this salary is $72,381 so that the current base housing amount would be $11,580.96. Housing costs provided by an employer may also be excluded from the gross income of the employee. In line with this, IRC 119 provides that lodging furnished in an overseas camp may be excluded from the employee's income. It should be noted that neither exclusion is applicable to wages paid by the United States government even if the Federal employee is residing abroad.

From the Voting Assistance Guide, Appendix E: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/textvag/appendix_e.txt

Where would I obtain information on issues and positions taken by candidates?

Democrats Abroad: http://www.democratsabroad.org/
Republicans Abroad: http://www.republicansabroad.org/

How can I contact the Consulate Voting Assistance Officer?

The US Consulate-General Dubai Voting Assistance Officer can be reached at acscasablanca@state.gov.  Please address you inquiry to the Voting Assistance Officer.