As the United States gears up for one of its most polarising presidential elections, Washington’s Embassy in Buenos Aires is urging US citizens living in Argentina to register for an overseas ballot.
The US Embassy is urging voters to return the ballot no later than October 4, in order to ensure their ballots are cast and received on time.
Officials have drawn up a simple four-point guide for US citizens living overseas to ensure their voice is heard. Information can be found at https://ar.usembassy.gov/voting-in-u-s-elections.
US Ambassador to Argentina Marc Stanley called on his compatriots to exercise their democratic voice.
“As US citizens living abroad, your voice matters just as much as anyone’s back home. Voting is a fundamental right, and I urge all eligible US citizens in Argentina to take part in shaping our country’s future,” said the envoy.
“Make sure your vote counts by registering on www.fvap.gov and submitting your ballot on time.”
The 2024 election pits current US Vice-President Kamala Harris against former president Donald Trump in what looks set to be a close-run race for the White House.
Harris became the Democratic Party candidate after US President Joe Biden dramatically dropped out of the race in mid-July after a disastrous debate against Trump, his Republican rival.
In a recent debate, Harris maintained her composure but often sidestepped direct answers, while Trump made several controversial and misleading statements.
Harris, 59, has adopted a modern campaigning strategy, engaging with artists and young voters to influence her campaign, including gaining support from various notable Republicans such as former VP Dick Cheney, and former House representative Liz Cheney.
She has articulated her commitment to reinstating Roe v. Wade and protecting a woman’s right to have an abortion and make her own reproductive choices.
While the debate offered insights into Harris’ plans for the presidency, many felt she only scratched the surface on critical issues and failed to sufficiently differentiate her administration and policies from President Biden’s – something that is weighing heavily on voters.
Trump, 78, opted for a more chaotic approach to the debate. He avoided questions from the moderators and proclaimed various falsities regarding abortion issues, Haitian immigrants in Ohio, and labeling Harris as a “Marxist.”
He also reiterated that the Israel-Gaza conflict would not have happened under his administration, yet failed to provide new insights.
Trump’s economic arguments often rely on exaggerations about the success of his presidency compared to Biden’s, ignoring the significant impact of COVID-19 on employment and inflation during his term.
The candidates’ contrasting strategies highlight the deep divisions within the electorate. With the stakes higher than ever, the urgency for US citizens to engage in the election cannot be overstated.
Guide for US voters
Follow the steps below to ensure your vote is received and cast correctly, and follow the contact information with any questions you may have.
1. Complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
The FPCA allows you to register to vote and request your absentee ballots in one step. If you submit an FPCA, your local election officials will send you an absentee ballot for all elections for federal offices (presidential and state primaries, run-off, special, and the November general elections) that take place that calendar year. Local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.
The online voting assistant available at FVAP.gov is an easy way to complete the FPCA. It will ask you questions specific to your state and tell you if electronic ballot delivery is possible. We encourage you to request that your ballot be sent to you electronically. Be sure to include your email address. The online voting assistant will generate a printable FPCA, for you to print and sign.
2. Submit the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
You can return your FPCA to your local election officials free of charge via the nearest embassy at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires, Avenida Colombia 4300, Monday through Friday from 8am to 2pm. You may also choose to mail it directly to your local election officials at your own expense. Some states allow voters to submit the FPCA via email as well. See FVAP’s Voting Assistance Guide for specifics on all states.
3. Receive Your Ballot
After submitting your FPCA, most states have an online portal where you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery information. States are required to send ballots 45 days before an election for federal office to any overseas U.S. citizen who has completed an FPCA.
4. Return your ballot
As with the FPCA, you can return your voted ballot to your local election officials free of charge via the nearest embassy or consulate or mail it directly at your own expense. Please note that transit time can take up to 20 days. We recommend returning your ballot as soon as possible – and no later than October 4. Please note that a friend or family member can drop off your election materials at the US Embassy on your behalf, if needed. Some states also accept ballots via email. See FVAP’s Voting Assistance Guide for more details on your state.
Your vote counts! Many US elections are decided by a small number of votes. All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the state’s absentee ballot receipt deadline.
To receive information by email about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP's Voting Alerts ([email protected]). FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebook and Twitter.
If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas or how to return your election materials, please contact U.S Embassy Voting Assistance Officer at [email protected]
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