DOD encourages overseas voters to register for 2006 elections Published Jan. 26, 2006 WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- In 2006, U.S. citizens will elect 34 senators, the entire House of Representatives, 37 state governors and hundreds of state and local officials. Overseas voters and military personnel have a variety of means that will enable them to participate in the 2006 elections, starting with the primaries beginning in March and through the general election on Nov. 7. U.S. citizens can register to vote and request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application, or FPCA, which has been redesigned for 2006. It allows voters to provide more information to their local election official as well as provides greater security for their personal information. The form is available from unit or installation voting assistance officers, U.S. embassies, consular offices and many local civic and overseas groups. It also is available electronically on the Federal Voting Assistance Program, or FVAP, Web site at www.fvap.gov. Once completed, U.S. citizens can send the FPCA to their local election official in the jurisdiction of their legal voting residence. The local election official will then be responsible for sending an absentee ballot to the requestor. All U.S. citizens are encouraged to register to vote as soon as possible to ensure compliance with varying state registration deadlines. The FVAP Web site contains useful information, including an updated, electronic copy of the “2006-07 Voting Assistance Guide.” If voters need additional assistance, they should visit their unit or installation voting assistance officer or the nearest U.S. embassy or consular office. Voters may also contact FVAP staff by e-mail at vote@fvap.ncr.gov or by telephone on one of the many toll-free international phone numbers, available on the Web site. FVAP office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.