As the memory of past elections fades from our national consciousness, it’s time to re-spark the fire of election fever and once again begin the challenging task of electing our country’s leaders.

With the Illinois state primary election in our wake and the balance of the state primaries ahead, the time has come to register or re-register to vote and request an absentee ballot for Sailors, family members and civilians on board Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY).

According to CFAY Assistant Voting Assistance Officer Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) Adrian Lawrence, fulfilling your civic duties is simpler than ever with Standard Form (SF) 76-A, otherwise known as the Registration and Absentee Ballot Request - Federal Post Card Application.

"You can register to vote and request an absentee ballot by filling out an SF-76 and sending it to your local election official," said Lawrence. "When you change duty stations, you will also use an SF-76 to update the address you want your absentee ballot sent to."

SF-76 is easily obtained by visiting the Federal Voting Assistance Program Web site www.fvap.gov and clicking on the link for uniformed military service members and their families. Simple directions will guide you to a page tailored specifically to the requirements of your state of legal residence where, if you are over the age of 18 and a U.S. citizen, you will be able to register to vote. Once you have filled out the required information on SF-76, click on the link to

find the address of your local election official and mail in your request. In some states, you may have the option of sending in the request via fax.

For non-military civilians who are living overseas, the same Web site will guide you through the process; simply follow the initial link for citizens living outside the United States. Instead of registering by your legal address, you register based on the address of your last legal American residence.

Due to the differences in rules and schedules of each state, the Web site also lists state election schedules and provides key information on important rules, such as when a ballot must be received by election officials in order for your vote to be counted.

For shipboard Sailors who are underway and those on board CFAY, all forms and ballots should be mailed as early as possible in anticipation of extended transit time for all mail sent from overseas.

However, although you are overseas, as an absentee voter, you will be afforded all the same rights as those who currently reside at your home of residence.

"Being stationed overseas, many Sailors feel out of the loop when it comes to government issues," said Lawrence. "Absentee voting gives them the opportunity to voice their opinion and help decide who runs the government."

For more information about registering or re-registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot or how to obtain election information, contact Lawrence at 243-5770 or e-mail to adrian.lawrence@fe.navy.mil, visit your command Voting Assistance Officer or go online to www.fvap.gov.