Fax, mail or DHL? Overseas U.S. voters fret ahead of November 3 election

[snoop1130]

Fax, mail or DHL? Overseas U.S. voters fret ahead of November 3 election

By Luke Baker, Matthew Tostevin and Cassandra Garrison

 

FILE PHOTO: Democratic party volunteers lay out badges at an event in Rome aimed at encouraging U.S. citizens living abroad to vote in the forthcoming presidential election. Picture taken Sept. 15, 2020. REUTERS/Crispian Balmer/File Photo

 

LONDON/BANGKOK/BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - By fax, courier or mail, U.S. voters abroad are going to new lengths to ensure their ballots are counted, with the bitterest election in memory taking place amid a global pandemic, postal disruptions and the incumbent railing against mail-in votes.

 

Activists from both major parties say they are seeing unprecedented demand for help registering and voting this year from the estimated 9 million Americans who live abroad.

 

"We have got considerably more voters reaching out to us. We have certainly had more than 4 to 5 times the contacts that we had in 2016," said John Foote, a voting assistant with Republicans Overseas in Thailand.

 

After a race in 2016 decided by tiny margins in a handful of swing states, Inge Kjemtrup, chair of Democrats Abroad UK, said: "This time no one is complacent."

 

"I've got people who've lived here for four decades and haven't voted before and are getting in touch to say they want to vote this time."

 

President Donald Trump has long railed against mail-in ballots, saying they contribute to voter fraud, despite no evidence. Overseas voters, civilian and military, have voted by post in U.S. elections for generations.

 

U.S. law guarantees Americans living abroad the right to vote in federal elections, with votes counted in the state where they or their parents last lived.

 

States have strict deadlines to register, get a ballot and send it back, though a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot can be used by voters who don't receive theirs in time. Both parties have overseas arms that can help with the paperwork.

 

Voters worried about slow postal systems can drop ballots at U.S. embassies, which the State Department recommends doing by Oct. 1.

 

DHL DELIVERY

 

But Katherine Theobalds, a shoe designer living in Buenos Aires, was taking no chances getting her ballot back to New York. She forked out for DHL delivery.

 

"Most people I know are at the stage where they are concerned about getting their ballot to begin with, let alone sending it back on time."

 

Melanie Lansing, 57, a health insurance agent in San Miguel de Allende, a popular town for U.S. retirees in Mexico, asked someone heading to the United States to send her ballot to Oregon for her: "I wanted to put it in the hands of a friend."

 

In past elections, the overseas military vote has leaned Republican, but expatriate civilians in many countries lean towards Democrats. In Paris, Republicans sense the Democrats upping their game after approaching the 2016 election with perhaps too much confidence Hillary Clinton would win.

 

"They are hyper-active in the sense of getting people out. It wasn't like that in 2016... They didn't feel there was a threat from Trump," said Randy Yaloz, head of Republicans Overseas France.

 

Kjemtrup of Democrats Abroad UK said there was increasing understanding that the overseas vote is big enough to have an impact.

 

"In the 2018 mid-terms, one of every 25 races across the nation was won or lost by 1% of the vote or less. That's the margins that Americans abroad bring to every congressional district," she said.

 

One country where Trump is popular is Israel, home to 250,000-300,000 Israeli Americans, whose votes could affect the outcome in at least one big swing state.

 

"We have, by my estimation, between 25,000 and 30,000 eligible Florida voters here, and that could be the deciding factor in that state's election," said Marc Zell, head of Republicans Overseas Israel.

 

COVID-19 has made it harder to run traditional in-person events that parties have relied on to help expatriates with their paperwork, said Danielle Miklos, who chairs the Rome chapter of Democrats Abroad. "COVID has put a stop to everything. People don't want to come out."

 

Karen Birdsall, an international development consultant living in Berlin, is registered to vote in Pennsylvania, a big swing state that sent its ballots out on Sept. 19.

 

"That means that the time to receive it, to fill it, to mail it back and have it received in time before Nov. 3 is quite short," she said.

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-09-24

 

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[Benmart]

I didn't fret. I faxed. More media inspired hysteria.

[ChouDoufu]

7 minutes ago, Benmart said:

I didn't fret. I faxed. More media inspired hysteria.

 

c'mon, who'd wanna read an article with an honest headline?

 

"overseas voters cast ballots as usual in every election."

 

 

[ThailandRyan]

Still waiting on my ballot to arrive. Ridiculous it can not be done online, printed and mailed via the embassy.  Must be special paper needed. 

[khunjeff]

21 minutes ago, Benmart said:

I didn't fret. I faxed. More media inspired hysteria.

Not all states allow faxed ballots.

[Isaan sailor]

47 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Still waiting on my ballot to arrive. Ridiculous it can not be done online, printed and mailed via the embassy.  Must be special paper needed. 

Depends on the state election laws.  For Massachusetts expats, you can do the entire vetting and voting by email.

[dlclark97]

In Thailand, see the US Embassy website for voting information.  Completed ballots can even be returned through the Embassy at minimal expense.

[TigerandDog]

An american friend of mine voted by email. He said it was quick, easy and secure. Worth your while to investigate how to do so and vote that way. Trump (the pathological liar) won't be able to call that method as fraudulent.

[wwest5829]

2 hours ago, Benmart said:

I didn't fret. I faxed. More media inspired hysteria.

You are discounting that some states, mine included require Absentee Ballots to be mailed.

[wwest5829]

For those not aware. In the USA, voting is handled by the state government. Some states allow email, FAX, online voting. Other states, my own included require Absentee Ballots to be mailed. Dealing with the reality that mail services between ThaiPost and the USPS have been severely interrupted by the lack of air flights between the two countries (Covid relatered) leaves us two choices. We can drop off our Absentee Ballots to the Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate in Chiang Mai. Those Absentee Ballots will be sent , with some delay, in the Diplomatic mail to the US. Once in the US, the mail will be delivered through the USPS. In this critical election for the heart and soul of my country, I chose to send my Absentee Ballot by DHL, at a cost of $41.00 to assure delivery. That ballot has been confirmed as having been delivered to my County Court Clerk’s Office in Kentucky.

[Captain Monday]

Why vote? The election will be decided by now 6 right-wing activists posing as Jurists in black robes.

[newnative]

17 minutes ago, wwest5829 said:

For those not aware. In the USA, voting is handled by the state government. Some states allow email, FAX, online voting. Other states, my own included require Absentee Ballots to be mailed. Dealing with the reality that mail services between ThaiPost and the USPS have been severely interrupted by the lack of air flights between the two countries (Covid relatered) leaves us two choices. We can drop off our Absentee Ballots to the Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate in Chiang Mai. Those Absentee Ballots will be sent , with some delay, in the Diplomatic mail to the US. Once in the US, the mail will be delivered through the USPS. In this critical election for the heart and soul of my country, I chose to send my Absentee Ballot by DHL, at a cost of $41.00 to assure delivery. That ballot has been confirmed as having been delivered to my County Court Clerk’s Office in Kentucky.

    My state also requires the ballot be mailed.  If one is not near an embassy, the ballot envelope can be put in a larger envelope and mailed by Thailand Post to:

 

U.S. Embassy Bangkok
American Citizen Services
Attn: Voting Assistance Officer
95 Wireless Road
Bangkok, Thailand 10330

[Sheryl]

7 hours ago, ChouDoufu said:

 

c'mon, who'd wanna read an article with an honest headline?

 

"overseas voters cast ballots as usual in every election."

 

 

 

Hardly as usual given the mail disruptions. EMS now takes about 6 weeks; even sending via Embassy pouch is estimated to now take around 5 weeks. And many states require the ballot to actually be received, nto just postmarked, by a certain date.

 

For states that allow faxed ballots that is certainly an option though you waive your right to secrecy, obviously, if you send by fax.  For those who can't find a fax machine there is an indirect option via the DOD whereby you can email your scanned ballot (must use a designated cover sheet) and they in turn will fax it, described here https://www.democratsabroad.org/de_how_to_fax_your_ballot_by_without_a_fax_machine

in that scenario of course not just your Country Board of Elections but also an intermediary will see your ballot but it seems to be considered reliable

 

Personally I went ahead and sent DHL. Cost me about 1,300 baht, could have done it for less if prepaid it online

 

 

[Ireland32]

6 hours ago, Benmart said:

I didn't fret. I faxed. More media inspired hysteria.

How do you fax , I live California, Fax to sho , Thx 

[Sheryl]

34 minutes ago, Ireland32 said:

How do you fax , I live California, Fax to sho , Thx 

 

To your local board of elections. Google the county where you are regsitered to vote and the word "elections"

 

But note that not all States accept faxed ballots.

[Kelsall]

This year I sent mine DHL to ensure it would arrive on time.  Used DHL four years ago as I was not convinced it would arrive unaltered or at all using Department of State mail.  Worked both times.

[Redline]

Americans can mail their ballot to the US Embassy, and it will be sent to the USA in the Diplomatic pouch.  You can print out a cover sheet that has the post paid barcode on it for free US postal service delivery in the USA.

You can also go to the Embassy yourself, and drop it in the ballot box there.

Only 24 states require the ballot be mailed.  Follow the directions exactly according to your state~they can be confusing.

VOTE AND DO IT NOW!

Edited September 25, 2020 by Redline

[unblocktheplanet]

9 hours ago, Benmart said:

I didn't fret. I faxed. More media inspired hysteria.

That means YOUR state permits faxed ballots. PA does not. I got mine by email but it has to be postal-mailed back. In fact, the US Embassy informed me votes by courier would not be counted. Registered mail to the Embassy Sept 21. Still not delivered yet.

[Kelsall]

.

Edited September 25, 2020 by Kelsall

[plentyofnuttin]

5 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 

Hardly as usual given the mail disruptions. EMS now takes about 6 weeks; even sending via Embassy pouch is estimated to now take around 5 weeks. And many states require the ballot to actually be received, nto just postmarked, by a certain date.

 

For states that allow faxed ballots that is certainly an option though you waive your right to secrecy, obviously, if you send by fax.  For those who can't find a fax machine there is an indirect option via the DOD whereby you can email your scanned ballot (must use a designated cover sheet) and they in turn will fax it, described here https://www.democratsabroad.org/de_how_to_fax_your_ballot_by_without_a_fax_machine

in that scenario of course not just your Country Board of Elections but also an intermediary will see your ballot but it seems to be considered reliable

 

Personally I went ahead and sent DHL. Cost me about 1,300 baht, could have done it for less if prepaid it online

 

 

Did you check to make sure that your state accepts ballots sent by private courier?

[Skallywag]

Does anyone know of a business in Pattaya that would still have a Fax machine, those all use a dial up connection as I recall.

Also would like the Fax machine that receives the confirmation page back to confirm the Fax went through.  Alaska allows faxed ballots.  

Thank you.  

 

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, plentyofnuttin said:

Did you check to make sure that your state accepts ballots sent by private courier?

I am not aware of any state not doing so.

 

From the US Embassy website:

 

"If it’s more convenient, you can also return your FPCA or ballot to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service, at your own expense."

 

I cannot find any reference to use of couriers on any election site. Where have yo useen it?

 

 

[plentyofnuttin]

6 hours ago, Sheryl said:

I am not aware of any state not doing so.

 

From the US Embassy website:

 

"If it’s more convenient, you can also return your FPCA or ballot to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service, at your own expense."

 

I cannot find any reference to use of couriers on any election site. Where have yo useen it?

 

 

Exclusive: UPS, FedEx warn they cannot carry ballots like U.S. Postal Service

United Parcel Service and FedEx on Friday shot down social media calls that they step in to deliver mail-in ballots from the U.S. Postal Service, which is warning states of potentially “significant” delays.

“State ballots must be postmarked to be considered valid and only the USPS has lawful postmarking status. Therefore UPS, FedEx and other private parties cannot technically be involved in shipping ballots,” UPS told Reuters in a statement.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-ups-fedex-exclusive/exclusive-ups-fedex-warn-they-cannot-carry-ballots-like-u-s-postal-service-idUSKCN25B00I

[ChouDoufu]

18 hours ago, Sheryl said:

 

Hardly as usual given the mail disruptions. EMS now takes about 6 weeks; even sending via Embassy pouch is estimated to now take around 5 weeks. And many states require the ballot to actually be received, nto just postmarked, by a certain date.

 

For states that allow faxed ballots that is certainly an option though you waive your right to secrecy, obviously, if you send by fax.  For those who can't find a fax machine there is an indirect option via the DOD whereby you can email your scanned ballot (must use a designated cover sheet) and they in turn will fax it, described here https://www.democratsabroad.org/de_how_to_fax_your_ballot_by_without_a_fax_machine

in that scenario of course not just your Country Board of Elections but also an intermediary will see your ballot but it seems to be considered reliable

 

Personally I went ahead and sent DHL. Cost me about 1,300 baht, could have done it for less if prepaid it online

 

 

i don't think it's really all that bad.  this was just a generic doomporn article, not specific to thailand, which does seem to have some peculiar postal problems.

 

some states accept email ballots, many will accept faxed ballots.  it's not hard to find a fax machine - mailbox shops, some 7-11's, some stationary shops.  if not, there are free downloadable fax software packages (malware included?) for pc, and there must be an app for your cellphone by now.  if post required by your state, embassy delivery is available. 

 

not sure what the problem with mail is in thailand, as that's not the same in other countries.  mail to/from china to the usa is taking 2-3 weeks.

[RocketDog]

On 9/25/2020 at 10:14 AM, wwest5829 said:

For those not aware. In the USA, voting is handled by the state government. Some states allow email, FAX, online voting. Other states, my own included require Absentee Ballots to be mailed. Dealing with the reality that mail services between ThaiPost and the USPS have been severely interrupted by the lack of air flights between the two countries (Covid relatered) leaves us two choices. We can drop off our Absentee Ballots to the Embassy in Bangkok or the Consulate in Chiang Mai. Those Absentee Ballots will be sent , with some delay, in the Diplomatic mail to the US. Once in the US, the mail will be delivered through the USPS. In this critical election for the heart and soul of my country, I chose to send my Absentee Ballot by DHL, at a cost of $41.00 to assure delivery. That ballot has been confirmed as having been delivered to my County Court Clerk’s Office in Kentucky.

Agree completely. Worth the cost at twice as much for the chance to excise this tumor in the Whitehouse. 

 

My daughter will FedEx my ballot to me and I'll DHL back to her. She will drive to county office to drop in collection box. 

 

As you say, Embassy will still use USPS will all those potential issues. 

[Sheryl]

4 hours ago, ChouDoufu said:

 

not sure what the problem with mail is in thailand, as that's not the same in other countries.  mail to/from china to the usa is taking 2-3 weeks.

 

Pretty simple...lack of flights

[khunjeff]

4 hours ago, RocketDog said:

As you say, Embassy will still use USPS will all those potential issues. 

Just to clarify, the Embassy will send all ballots by diplomatic pouch (i.e., air freight or air cargo) to the State Dept pouch facility near Dulles Airport, where they will be dropped into the normal USPS mail stream. So from Thailand to Virginia they won't touch the regular mail, but from there to the final destination it will be just as if you had dropped the envelope in a US mailbox (for better or worse).

[wwest5829]

5 hours ago, RocketDog said:

Agree completely. Worth the cost at twice as much for the chance to excise this tumor in the Whitehouse. 

 

My daughter will FedEx my ballot to me and I'll DHL back to her. She will drive to county office to drop in collection box. 

 

As you say, Embassy will still use USPS will all those potential issues. 

Kentucky requires Absentee Ballots to be mailed but they do allow registered voters to download their ballot. Thus saved that time and money to receive the ballot. Another voter, from California was able to vote via his state’s website.

[RocketDog]

2 hours ago, khunjeff said:

Just to clarify, the Embassy will send all ballots by diplomatic pouch (i.e., air freight or air cargo) to the State Dept pouch facility near Dulles Airport, where they will be dropped into the normal USPS mail stream. So from Thailand to Virginia they won't touch the regular mail, but from there to the final destination it will be just as if you had dropped the envelope in a US mailbox (for better or worse).

Yes, I understood that. You stated that in the original post but I abbreviated it in mine because I was replying to yours. 

 

The point is that getting it to America in 30 seconds does not guarantee that the USPS wont take 30 days to deliver it across the country. 

So the fewer parties involved the better your chances of getting it delivered on time. 

 

Thanks for your post. 

[RocketDog]

1 hour ago, wwest5829 said:

Kentucky requires Absentee Ballots to be mailed but they do allow registered voters to download their ballot. Thus saved that time and money to receive the ballot. Another voter, from California was able to vote via his state’s website.

Colorado has been a mail ballot state for decades. I've voted dozens of times by filling out the ballot and delivering it by hand to the ballot box outside the county courthouse. 

 

It's very easy and efficient. I actually prefer it to any electronic voting that may be proposed. We all know how often such 'ultra-secure' websites are hacked.