SEPT 26, 2024 | FEATURES | By Esa George
Colorado College is known for its commitment to giving students the opportunity to study abroad including, travel abroad and Blocks away with grants and research opportunities, resulting in 74% of CC students studying abroad or away at some point during their time at the college. Meanwhile, every four years, a very important election rolls around, and those students outside of the United States or the state they wish to vote in will need to be proactive and intentional about their unique voting system for this election.
The clock is ticking, and you are encouraged to submit a completed Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) no later than 45 days before the election, in order to receive this mail-in ballot without any issue. In terms of the Nov. 5 election, this date passed on Saturday, Sept. 21. After receiving their absentee ballot, students studying abroad or out of state wanting to vote in their home state should return the ballot so that it will arrive before your state’s ballot return deadline.
However, with the Nov. 5 election quickly approaching, if you have not yet received your blank ballot 30 days before the election, it is strongly recommended to use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot.
The Federal Voting Assistant Program can assist any students abroad or away during the initial steps regarding receiving an absentee ballot. Today, we are 39 days away from the election. Resources like the FVAP can assist students who feel like they are running late on these deadlines and in guaranteeing a ballot, whether write-in or electronic.
When it comes time to return these completed ballots, which should be much sooner rather than later, access to mail services sent to the U.S. works well, with the correct postage process followed as indicated by the blank ballot that was received. Additionally, one can drop off their completed ballots at an U.S. embassy found abroad. This is a wonderful resource for students abroad to take action in the fleeting period before the election.