With the US Presidential election approaching in November, the US Consulate in Hamilton is looking to educate American citizens residing in Bermuda on how to cast absentee ballots.

Yesterday, US State Department Chief Voting officer Jack Markey was in Bermuda to lay out all options for voting for the estimated 8,000 Americans living here.

The Federal Voting Assistance Programme is a US Government scheme that helps the millions of US military and Americans abroad understand the US voting process while encouraging participation in US elections.

Mr. Markey held a voting workshop at the US Consulate yesterday to help its consular section and representatives of various citizens' groups prepare to help Americans in Bermuda vote in this year's elections.

Since voting in the US is handled on a state-by-state basis, Americans living overseas are eligible to participate in elections by first registering with their home state and requesting an absentee ballot.

Then, the appropriate state will mail out a blank ballot to you, at a specific time prior to the US Presidential election, which will be officially held on November 4, Mr. Markey emphasised.

Conveniently, many states now allow voters to use a fax machine instead of mail, with a few allowing e-mail.

Mr. Markey said: "Elections in the United States are not run by our federal government, but by state and local governments.

"Each US State has its own rules and deadlines for voting.

"We urge voters to check the official US government web site, www.fvap.gov, to learn about their state's voter eligibility requirements, procedures and deadlines, and to request ballots now so they can vote in elections throughout the year.

"Voting Assistance Officers at US embassies and Consulates and voting volunteers in the American community are available to provide forms and answer questions.

"American citizens in Bermuda can contact the US Consulate in person or by email at votehamilton@state.gov."

In order to receive an absentee ballot in a timely manner, Mr. Markey also stressed that it is imperative for citizens to keep their local election officials informed of any address changes.

"This is one of the many consular services that we provide to United States citizens, helping them with a basic right ¿ the right to vote in US elections.

"Regardless of party, it's something that ties us together as American citizens when we are overseas."

Americans who may have any questions or require any assistance in voting can also e-mail or visit the Consulate on Middle Road in Devonshire.

US consul Margaret Pride added: "We generally prefer to take inquiries via e-mail, but we allow e-mail or in-person (by appointment) inquiries.

"US citizens can check out all of these procedures by visiting hamilton.usconsulate.gov on the Internet.

"We also take questions on a walk-in basis on Tuesday mornings between 8.30 and 10.30 a.m."

In addition to Presidential elections, there are also state primary elections going on, plus run-off or special elections that are to consider.

*For full details on how to vote in the upcoming or any US election, US citizens are advised to log onto www.fvap.gov.

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