The US Consulate has urged the more than 8,000 American residents living in Bermuda to learn if they can vote as their next elections — primaries and general — creeps around the corner.

Americans will take to the polls in November this year and those living abroad are also given the chance to add their voices through absentee ballots between October 12 and 18.

Gregory Slayton, the US Consul General, said that the, between 8,000 and 9,000 Americans living in Bermuda needed to understand the ins and outs of voting from overseas.

"Voting is an important right and obligation of all Americans. Living abroad does not absolve Americans citizens of that obligation," he said.

"Voting is what makes the democratic process work, and we should all take the necessary steps to ensure that our votes count."

For more information Americans can check: www.fvap.gov or the Consulate's own website at: http:/hamilton.usconsulate.gov, or email votehamilton@state.gov to learn about their state's voter eligibility requirements, procedures and deadlines.

Elections in the United States are run by states and localities. The procedures and deadlines to vote vary from state to state.

Overseas voters can vote by absentee ballot using a vote-by-mail process. Some states allow faxing, and a few now allow some use of e-mail.