Public Services

Voting

The federal government has assisted U.S. citizens in voting absentee since 1942. The current federal voting assistance program is based on the Federal Voting Rights Act of 1975, as amended. In addition to the federal laws governing absentee registration and voting, most states permit U.S. citizens residing abroad to register for and vote absentee in state elections.

The Secretary of Defense has been designated to supervise the administration of federal voting assistance responsibilities under the acts. The Secretary of State shares the responsibility for publicizing the right to vote in federal elections, the procedures available to enforce that right, and the availability of expedited mail delivery of ballot material. Consular officers at embassies and consulates abroad provide non-partisan voting information and assistance in completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) which is used to register to vote and to request absentee ballots.

The Embassy's Consular Section in Damascus maintains copies of the Absentee Voter Guide and can provide applications for absentee ballots (FPCAs), as well as general information on voting eligibility and procedures.