Request absentee ballots now to vote in upcoming election Published July 23, 2008 By Senior Airman James Bolinger 436th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- The 2008 Presidential Election is quickly approaching and for Airmen stationed at DAFB time is getting short to both get registered to vote and send in absentee ballots. "For many Airmen who joined straight out of high school this will be their first presidential election," said Lt. Col. Richard Ciaramella, 436th Airlift Wing inspector general and voting assistance advisor. "It's the job of squadron and group voting assistance advisors to educate and assist Airmen unfamiliar with the absentee voting process." Voting assistance advisors ensure all Airmen who are citizens know they have the opportunity to vote, he said. Advisors can even help voting-age family members with registration and absentee ballot requests. It is important to remember that Airmen who will not be physically living at their home of record can still vote. Airman can look up information about registering to vote online or they can speak to a squadron or group voting assistance advisor, said Colonel Ciaramella. If servicemembers are not confident that they are already registered or they haven't received notification about the upcoming election from their state, then they should consider re-registering. "Airmen who are deploying soon or know they will be deployed during the election should apply for an absentee ballot to be sent to their house before they deploy, or they can have someone forward it to their deployed address," said the colonel. Requesting an absentee ballot early can be the difference between having a vote count or losing the opportunity," said Colonel Ciaramella. The first step in the absentee voting process is to fill out a Federal Post Card Application form (FPCA SF-76), he said. This form is accepted by all states and territories as a simultaneous request for registration and an absentee ballot. Some states may have a local form members can use to register or request a ballot as well. For information regarding voting registration or requesting an absentee ballot, contact your squadron or group voting assistance advisor. Dover Air Force Base Voting Assistance Advisors Installation Voting Assistance Officer: Lt. Col. Rich Ciaramella, 677-4046 436th AW Staff: 1st Lt. Chris Spaulding, 677-4507 436th MXG: 1st Lt. Justin Garey, 677-5482 436th OG: Maj. Matt Goodman, 677-4140 436th MSG: Master Sgt. Frank Kelly, 677-5178 436th MDG: Master Sgt. Craig Winnie, 677-3126 512th AW: 1st Lt. Matt Padgett, 677-5291 373rd TRS/Det. 3: Tech. Sgt. Chris Sullivan, 677-3656 AFOSI/Det. 306: Special Agent John Rayho, 677-2852