FSM Absentee Ballot Frequently Asked Questions
Information from the FSM National Election Director
January 7, 1997
Introduction
The right to vote absentee ballot can be exercised by all FSM citizens in every corner of the world. FSM voters are able to vote under the absentee voting provision of 9 FSMC.
The following answers the most frequently asked questions concerning absentee voting.
General Information
Can I vote absentee?
1. All FSM Citizens, 18 years or older, who are qualified to vote may vote by absentee ballot if:
he/she is confined to home or hospital by reason of such illness or physical disability as will prevent him/her from attending the poll, or
he/she is prevented from voting by reasons of being at sea, absent from the State in which he/she is registered, or obstructed by natural barrier making it highly impractical or extremely difficult for him/her to arrive at his/her place of voting in time to cast his/her ballot.
2. An absentee ballot is an official ballot which is authorized to be voted outside of any designated polling place or prior to the date of the election.
How do I apply for an absentee ballot?
You may request and cast an absentee ballot with the national election commissioner of your State. Your request must be in writing and signed by the absentee voter. The following information must be included in your request:
voter's voting precinct, municipality or town
election district
reason for being absent
address to which you wish your ballot forwarded, and the establishment of your right to a ballot.
I would like to vote but do not know how. Where can I get assistance?
Write to your National Election Commissioner (NEC) and tell him that you want to vote by absentee ballot. Your NEC will send you specific information on how to vote absentee ballot. The following are the addresses of the National Election Commissioners:
Seperiano Barnabas
National Election Commissioner
State of Pohnpei
P.O. Box 1924
Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Phone/Fax: (691) 320-7805
Kipier Lippwe
National Election Commissioner
State of Chuuk
P.O. Box 10
Weno, Chuuk, FM 96942
Tel: (691) 330-5852
Fax: (691) 320-5904
Jesse Mangarfir
National Election Commissioner
State of Yap
P.O. Box 849
Colonia, Yap, FM 96943
Tel: (691) 350-4217
Fax: (691) 350-4641
email: necyap@mail.fm
Kun J. Olter
National Election Commissioner
State of Kosrae
P.O. Box 340
Tofol, Kosrae, FM 96944
Tel: (691) 370-2372
Fax: (691) 370-2850
email: NECKosrae@mail.fm
Do I have to be registered to vote absentee?
No person, including absentee voter, shall be entitled to vote in any election for members of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia, or to be listed upon any general register, or upon any precinct list, who fails to register. If you have not been registered, you will be sent an affidavit of registration along with your absentee ballot.
Where do I send my absentee request or absentee ballot?
Send your absentee ballot request or voted absentee ballot to the address of your national election commissioner using the appropriate address shown above.
Must I submit a separate application for each election?
Once you are registered and listed in the general registry, you do not need to reregister.
If I am required to have my registration application notarized, how do I do it?
You will need to notarize your completed affidavit of registration. You may present yourself at any time during business hours to any of the members of the board of elections (herein empowered and authorized to administer oaths and take acknowledgment) or persons authorized by law to administer oaths. Exception is given to students attending any institution of learning.
When mailing my absentee ballot or other election materials to my state, do I have to pay postage?
Your national election commissioner (NEC) when responding to your written request for an absentee ballot, will send you the affidavit of registration, official absentee ballot, ballot envelope, instruction on how to vote absentee, and pre-stamped reply envelope. This means you do not have to pay for postage if the mail originates in the U.S. Mainland, Hawaii and Countries under U.S. possession. In other areas where there is FSM overseas offices you may take advantage of pouch mail. Otherwise you will have to pay for postage.
When is the best time to apply for an absentee ballot?
The best time if you are applying from overseas is as early as possible. Give your election officials at least thirty (30) days before election to send you your absentee ballot to allow him ample time to process the request and mail the ballot, and receive your ballot in time to be counted in the election results.
When must an absentee ballot be received to be counted?
All absentee ballots must be received by the office of the national election commissioner, of your State, no later than the established closing hour of the polls on the day of the election.
What is an election for national office?
An Election for National office is any general or special election held solely or in part for the purpose of selecting members of the Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia.
Please direct all inquiries regarding this information sheet to:
Office of the National Election Commissioner
P.O. Box PS 355
Federated States of Micronesia
Palikir, Pohnpei, FM 96941
Phone: (691) 320-4283
Fax: (691) 320-7534
|