In 2008 did you have any problems registering to vote? Or requesting an absentee ballot? Or receiving an absentee ballot? Or returning an absentee ballot? Or establishing whether your ballot was sent or received?

If so, then you have a story to tell that will help the Chairs of the Committee on House Administration better understand the obstacles we face as overseas Americans trying to exercise our right to vote. 

H.R. 1739: Overseas Voting Practical Amendments Act of 2009 will make it more standard and easier for Americans living overseas to register to vote and receive and cast absentee ballots. For a description of the bill please see the attached 1 page briefing document on Overseas Voting. 

It is urgent that you send your story off to the Committee Chairs ASAP so that HR 1739 can get through Committee before the August recess and to a House vote in the autumn session.  We need these reforms in place for the critical 2010 midterm election, so please write your story and send your letter TODAY.

THIS IS HOW.

To write the House Committee Chairs and share your story of problems with registering and voting please dowload the attached letter template entitled HR 1739 My Story To Committee document.   Print the form and fill it in by hand.  The address to send it to is on the letter. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with Paul La Freniere on plafre@gmail.com or Carmelann Polce at cpolce@tpg.com.au or 0403 897 489.