Every vote counts, and for service members living and working overseas, getting your vote on in time is important.  The 2012 general election absentee ballot mailing deadlines are different in each country, so don't forget to send in your vote on time.  For US citizens currently living or serving in the following countries, you must consider mail transit time when submitting your ballot. FVAP and the Military Postal Service Agency recommend you mail back your ballot no later than:

•   22 days before the election: Iraq
  
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        • 17 days before the election: Afghanistan (excluding Airstop locations), Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Turkmenistan
        • 11 days before the election: Germany
        • 10 days before the election: Afghanistan Airstop locations, Bahrain, Cuba, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
        • 7 days before the election: Japan, Korea, Philippines

    22 days before the election: Iraq

For a full list by APO/FPO/DPO, visit FVAP.gov.

Service members overseas may Express mail their absentee ballots FREE of charge from any APO/FPO/DPO or American embassy and consulate - just ask them to use the Express Mail Label 11-DoD. This label allows the voter to track their ballots at www.usps.com. Find out more about this new label at www.fvap.gov.

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)

The FWAB is a backup ballot. If 30 days before the election you think you will not receive your State ballot in time to vote and return it, vote the FWAB! Go to FVAP.gov and get started! This ballot is accepted by all States from any overseas or military voter who has registered and requested a ballot for 2012. If you receive your State ballot after submitting the FWAB, vote and return it as well. If both ballots are received by the deadline, only the State ballot will be counted.

If you'd like more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program or need help with the absentee voting process please go to the www.FVAP.gov web portal or call the FVAP at 703-588-1584 (toll free 1-800-438-VOTE). Email the program at vote@fvap.gov. And don't forget to "like" us Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoDFVAP and follow @FVAP on Twitter for election updates throughout 2012.