Federal Voting Assistance Program: On July 4, millions of overseas citizens, Service members and their families will celebrate U.S. Independence Day — all over the world. Among the many freedoms citizens enjoy is the right to vote from wherever they are.

During this election year, Americans living away from their voting residence can easily make absentee voting part of their Fourth of July festivities — with resources from the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP).

“Registering and requesting a ballot is a great way for Service members and overseas citizens to celebrate July 4th,” FVAP Director Matt Boehmer said. “The holiday is a perfect reminder that Americans anywhere have the freedom to vote, and FVAP.gov has everything they need to do so.”

From June 27 to July 5, FVAP will observe the holiday by holding Armed Forces Voters Week and Overseas Citizens Voters Week with support from the Military Services and State Department. During the week, U.S. military installations, embassies, consulates and overseas citizens groups offer voter registration opportunities as part of holiday celebrations. FVAP recommends voters register to vote and request an absentee ballot by Aug. 1 to ensure they can participate in the General Election on Nov. 8.

The voting rights of the millions of U.S. citizens living overseas, as well as Service members and their eligible family, are protected by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). About 75 percent of the 1.3 million Service members are eligible to vote absentee through the UOCAVA process since they are stationed away from their voting residence and polling place.  Read more.