2010 Spring


March 5, 2010

New Law Makes Absentee Voting Easier for Overseas Americans
On October 28, 2009, Congress enacted the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act. This legislation amends existing law regarding overseas voting in federal elections, and should make voting easier for overseas Americans.

New Procedures for 2010 Elections

Beginning with the November 2010 general election, and for all subsequent general, special, and primary elections, states will be required to mail out ballots at least 45 days prior to an election for a federal office. This requirement may cause some states to select earlier primary dates in order to comply with the 45 day mailing deadline, or to request waivers due to special circumstances.
In addition to mailing ballots to overseas voters, the states will be required, at the voter's request, to provide registration forms, absentee ballot request forms, and blank ballots via fax or email. However, each state's laws determine whether ballot requests or voted ballots can be returned via fax or email. The new law prohibits states from rejecting marked ballots based on notarization, paper size, or paper weight requirements. The witnessing requirements of individual states remain in place.

Overseas Absentee Ballot Requests

Effective immediately, states will no longer be required by federal law to continue to mail election materials to overseas addresses (even when they are determined to be invalid) for two complete general election cycles on the basis of a single ballot request. It will now be up to each state to determine how long to continue to send out election materials before requiring overseas voters to submit new ballot requests. This change, sought by local election officials, should greatly decrease the volume of voting materials sent abroad to addresses where Americans no longer reside.

State Department Recommendations

In light of these changes, the Department of State recommends that all U.S. voters residing abroad request absentee ballots from their local election officials at the start of each calendar year, and whenever there is a change of address, change of e-mail address, or change of name, by completing and sending in a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). To locate information on your specific state's requirements, and to obtain an on-line version of the FPCA, please visit www.fvap.org. Voters may also pick up a hard copy of the FPCA from any U.S. embassy or consulate. FPCAs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the United States via international mail or from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Many states allow U.S. citizens overseas to submit the FPCA by e-mail or fax.
The Department of State strongly encourages all U.S. overseas voters to provide email addresses or fax numbers on their FPCAs to enable local election officials to transmit election materials in the fastest manner available, which should then allow sufficient time for the return of voted ballots. For information regarding your specific state, please visit www.fvap.org.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency ballot for the November general elections for federal offices, although some states also permit its use for elections for state and local offices. Beginning in January 2011, the new law allows use of the FWAB for primary, special, and runoff elections for federal offices. Voters who request an absentee ballot in advance of their state's ballot request deadline, but who fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials in time to vote, should complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot and send it back to local election officials in time for it to be counted. An on-line version of the FWAB, together with instructions for its use, is available at www.fvap.gov.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at U.S. Embassy Budapest is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call +36 1 475 4400 or send an e-mail to VoteBudapest@state.gov.

February 18

We would like to draw your kind attention to the fact that the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement issued July 29, 2009 was updated on February 12, 2010. You can access the announcement issued by the Department of State through the Embassy website: www.usembassy.hu or directly at the Department of State's website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html .

The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing in Hungary to register their presence with the American Embassy, Budapest, at Szabadsag Ter 12, District 5, or by visiting our website at www.usembassy.hu . For questions regarding registration, this Public Announcement or other matters, visit us in person, visit our website or call 475-4164.

2009 Fall


October 22

October 22, 2009 Tomorrow, October 23, 2009, there will be several official and unofficial public gatherings throughout Budapest to commemorate the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. A heavy police presence is expected.

In the past some of these demonstrations have led to violence and civil unrest. Hungarian police have used water cannon and tear gas to disperse violent crowds. Some demonstrations will be attended by members of Right Wing extremist groups that are hostile to foreigners and have perpetrated violence on minorities in the past. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid these areas during the demonstrations:

1. Church of Homecoming at Szabadsag ter Time: Mass: 1:00 PM ? 2:15 PM and a concert in the evening from 8:00 PM ? 10:00 PM. After the mass participants will join the Jobbik rally at Deak ter. Marching route: Nador u. -Jozsef A. u. - Deak ter (see item 3).

2. 64 County at Petofi statue, Marcius 15 ter at the foot of the Elisabeth Bridge. Time: 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM, these demonstrators are also expected to join the Jobbik rally at Deak ter (see item 3).

3. Jobbik Rally, Deak ter Time: 1500 ? 2000 (3:00PM - 8:00PM)

4. Gonda Group at Kossuth square Time: 1700 ? 2200 (5:00PM - 10:00PM)

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

The U.S. Embassy in Budapest directs the attention of U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Hungary to the following existing language in our Country Specific Information for Hungary: SAFETY AND SECURITY: Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations in Hungary and police oversight is routinely provided to ensure adequate security for participants and passersby. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website at www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing in Hungary to register their presence with the American Embassy, Budapest, at Szabadsag ter 12, District 5, or by visiting our website at www.usembassy.hu. For questions regarding registration, this warden message, or other matters, visit us in person, visit our website or call 475-4164.

The Embassy will update this announcement as additional details regarding demonstrations become available.

2009 Spring


March 13

On March 15, there will be approximately 200 events in Budapest commemorating the Revolution of 1848. Due to the violence that occurred during the March 15, 2007 holiday events (and on other national holidays), the police have been working to prevent violence and minimize any unlawful activity. The police are concerned that impromptu, anti-government demonstrations may arise in Pest during the day. Police will be out in large numbers throughout the city over the weekend.

During prior national holiday events, the city areas (all in Pest) that experienced violence were:

Szabadság tér -- Blaha Lujza -- Astoria and the Erzsébet Bridge area -- Oktogon -- Köztársaság tér -- Deák tér -- Erzsébet tér

State events will also take place at Parliament at 9:30 am, the National Museum at 11:00 am, and at the Palace of Arts at 8:00 pm.

Some of the planned events include:

Anti-government demonstrations are possible at the following locations on March 15:

State-organized events will also take place at Parliament at 0930 hours, the National Museum at 1100 hours, and at the Palace of Arts at 2000 hours.?p: The largest event will be the Fidesz rally in the Castle Area (Dísz tér from 1400-1600 hours) for which 35,000 persons may attend. As of today, there are no approved events for Szabadság tér.?p: Because of disturbances surrounding similar demonstrations in the past 16 months, the U.S. Embassy in Budapest on several occasions has directed the attention of U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Hungary to the following existing language in our Country Specific Information for Hungary:

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations in Hungary and police oversight is routinely provided to ensure adequate security for participants and passersby. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place.

The complete text of the Country Specific Information can be read online at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1137.html. Other useful travel safety information is also indexed and linked from that page.

The U.S. Embassy in Budapest remains open for business during normal business hours, including passport and other services for U.S. citizens.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's website the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs' website travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing in Hungary to register their presence with the American Embassy, Budapest, at Szabadság Tér 12, District 5, or by visiting our website at www.usembassy.hu. For questions regarding registration, this warden message, or other matters, visit us in person, visit our website or call 475-4164.

The Embassy will update this announcement as additional details regarding demonstrations become available.

February 20

During the upcoming months, the probability of both scheduled and unscheduled rallies, protests and demonstrations is high. Over the past two years many of these gatherings have involved direct police action. Here are some tips for personal security if you get caught in one such action:

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S Embassy in Budapest is located at Szabadság tér 12, tel (36-1) 475-4400. The after-hours emergency number is (36-1) 475-4703/4924.

February 4

We would like to draw your kind attention to the fact that the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement dated July 16, 2008 has been updated on February 2, 2009.

You can access the announcement issued by the Department of State through the Embassy website: www.usembassy.hu or directly at the
Department of State's website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html .

Also, we have created a new "Disaster Preparedness" link on the website with helpful information on preparing your home and family in the unlikely event of a natural disaster or other crisis. Included in that link is information about our new profile on the popular social networking website Facebook. While Facebook may seem an unlikely place for us, it is a means for us to post up-to-the minute information in the event that we are unable to update our own website due to server failure or inability to access the Embassy. While our official website is still your primary source of information, we encourage Americans in Hungary to turn to the Facebook page as a back-up in the event of a crisis. At the moment, the page is still in development, but we encourage any of you already registered on Facebook to become "fans" of the U.S. Embassy. If you use Facebook, a simple search for U.S. Embassy Budapest should pull up our page, and you may click to become a "fan."

In the near future the Embassy will send out letters to all registered U.S. citizens to ask for information update.

The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing in Hungary to register their presence with the American Embassy, Budapest, at Szabadsag ter 12, District 5, or by visiting our website at www.usembassy.hu. For questions regarding registration, this Public Announcement or other matters, visit us in person, visit our website or call 475-4164.

2008 Fall


November 28

On November 29th, several labor unions will hold a demonstration/march against financial restrictions and frozen benefits/wages. Starting at 11:00 at Heroes' square, protesters will march, passing by Kossuth Square, to the Ministry of Education. Thousands of protesters are expected and there will be a large police presence.
Because of disturbances surrounding similar demonstrations in the past 16 months, the U.S. Embassy in Budapest on several occasions has directed the attention of U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Hungary to the following existing language in our Country Specific Information for Hungary: SAFETY AND SECURITY: Prior police approval is required for public demonstrations in Hungary and police oversight is routinely provided to ensure adequate security for participants and passersby. Nonetheless, situations may develop which could pose a threat to public safety. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid areas in which public demonstrations are taking place. Even demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. The U.S. Embassy in Budapest remains open for business during normal business hours, including passport and other services for U.S. citizens.
The complete text of the Country Specific Information can be read online at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1137.html. Other useful travel safety information is also indexed and linked from that page.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and Country Specific Information for Hungary can be found. Up-to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888 407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)
The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing in Hungary to register their presence with the American Embassy, Budapest, at Szabadság Tér 12, District 5, or by visiting our website at www.usembassy.hu. For questions regarding registration, this warden message, or other matters, visit us in person, visit our website or call 475-4164.
The Embassy will update this announcement as additional details regarding demonstrations become available.


October 22

Demonstration Notice 10/22/2008

The October 23rd anniversary of the 1956 revolution is a very important and emotional national holiday in Hungary. Since 2006, groups have used this holiday to stage demonstrations against the Hungarian Government, and some of these demonstrations have turned violent and have included the use of Molotov cocktails, throwing rocks, and other items that have caused personal injury and property damage. Police forces have used tear gas and water cannons to control the civil unrest.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Upcoming demonstration information follows:

Based on the violence that occurred during the October 23rd national holidays in 2006 and 2007, it is recommended that you stay away from these events and other large gatherings.

The Police have not estimated the numbers of participants for these events.

Place: with multiple streets - indicates it is a march/moving event.
Time: the range of time for which the permit is valid.
Organized by: name on demonstration permit

October 22

Place: District XI, Muegyetem rakpart 3-9
Time: 09:00 - 23:00
Organized by: Rakoczi Association

Place: Kossuth square
Time: 00:00 - 23:59
Organized by: Prime Minister's Office

Place: XI., Mu"egyetem rkp.-Szt.Gellért tér-Szt.Gellért rkp.-Lánchíd u.-Clark Ádám tér-Fo" u.-Bem rkp.-Bem tér-Bem rkp-Margit híd-Szt.István krt.- Nyugati tér-Bajcsy Zsilinszki út-Alkotmány u.-V.,Kossuth tér
Time: 16:00 - 21:00
Organized by: Europe - Hungarian Freedom Fighter Association

Place: Junction of Alkotmany street and Kossuth square
Time: 17:00 - 21:30
Organizer Hungarian National Committee 2006

October 23

Place: Corvin-koz
Time: 13:00 - 18:00
Organizer: Corvin-koz Brothers-in-Arms Community

Place: Corvin-koz
Time: 17:00 - 20:00
Organizer: private individual

Place: XII., Jagelló út Kongresszusi Központ parkoló-X., Nemzeti Pantheon-VIII., Corvin köz-Mansfeld statue
Time: 10:00 - 16:30
Organizer: Goj Riders

Place: Heroes' square - Corvin-koz
Time: 10:00 - 18:00
Organizer: Hungarian Justice and Life Party (Istvan Csurka)

Place: Junction of Alkotmany street and Kossuth square
Time: 17:00 - 21:30
Organizer: Hungarian National Committee 2006 (Gonda)

Place: District V - Olimpia park
Time: 11:00 - 14:00
Organizer: Hungarian Green Party

Place: District XIII - Deryne koz (Teve street HNP HQ)
Time: 16:00 - 22:00
Organizer: 64 County Youth Organization

Place: District V - Bajcsy-Zsilinszky street (between Paulay Ede street and Anker koz ~ Deak square)
Time: 14:00 - 17:00
Organizer: Jobbik Party

Place: VIII., Corvin-köz - II., Széna tér - V., Alkotmány utca
Time: 16:00 - 20:30
Organizer: System-Changing Forum

Place: Heroes' square
Time: 19:00 - 23:59
Organizer: private individual

Place: In front of Terror House (#60 Andrassy street)
Time: 14:00 - 22:00
Organizer: Hungarian Self-Defense Movement

Place: Csömör-XVI., Veres Péter út-Kerepesi út-Rákóczi út- Erzsébet krt.-Teréz krt.-Szt. István krt.-Margit híd-Moszkva tér-Déli pu.-Nagyenyed u.-XII., Turul statue
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
Organizer: "Riders With National Feelings"

Place: District V - #1-3 Semmelweis street (Astoria)
Time: 19:00 - 22:00
Organizer: Worldwide Association of Hungarians

Place: Buda Castle
Time: 15:00 begins
Organizer: FIDESZ Party District 1 Office - FIDESZ Party Mayors NOTE - this event is expected to have a large crowd

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and Consular Information Sheet for Hungary can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)

The U.S. Embassy in Budapest can be reached at 36-1-475-4164; the after hours emergency number is 36-1-475-4924; the fax number is 36-1-475-4113. The Embassy's web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Hungary, is at www.usembassy.hu.


October 3

U.S. Embassy Budapest Warden Message October 3, 2008 This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to two upcoming demonstrations planned for Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4. Information regarding these demonstrations is a follows:

On Friday, October 3, the Hungarian National Committee 2006 (Gonda) announced it is planning to hold a demonstration against the police, who it accuses of having used toxic gas (CR) to disperse the far-right demonstration at Szabadság square on September 20th. The demonstration will be held in front of the Hungarian National Police Headquarters, under 4-6 Teve street, in District 13, starting at 16:00. The expected size of this demonstration is unknown.

On Saturday, October 4, civilian, minority, and other similar organizations plan to hold a demonstration with a march under the name "Tarka Magyar" (Hungarian Diversity) on International World Day Against Aggression. The designated rally point is Erzsébet square, in District 5, at 15:30. The march will take the following route: Erzsébet square > Andrássy street > Heroes' square. Officials are estimating the number of participants to be approximately 100,000.

Demonstrations take place in Hungary from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and could possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy's web site, www.usembassy.hu, and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs web site, www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Budapest can be reached at 36-1-475-4164; the after-hours emergency number is 36-1-475-4924; the fax number is 36-1-475-4113. The Embassy's web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Hungary, is at www.usembassy.hu.

September 18

The Hungarian Anti-Terrorism Coordination Committee has announced this afternoon that bomb threats have been received today by several public institutions in Budapest. The Anti-Terrorism Coordination Committee has not released any further details, but says that the Hungarian police are taking the necessary steps in the matter.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and Consular Information Sheet for Hungary can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)

The U.S. Embassy in Budapest can be reached at 36-1-475-4164; the after hours emergency number is 36-1-475-4924; the fax number is 36-1-475-4113. The Embassy's web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Hungary, is at www.usembassy.hu.

August 19

Demonstration Notice

08/19/2008

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Budapest from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Upcoming demonstration information follows:
The Budapest Police are expecting a quiet and peaceful day of celebration for St. Istvan Day, August 20, 2008. There are no scheduled anti government demonstrations or protests. In the event of a spontaneous or unscheduled rally, please avoid the affected area.
The following is a list of scheduled Events and Road/Bridge closures for August 19 & 20. Scheduled Public Event Locations:
Kossuth Square
Heroes Square
Andrassy Ut
St. Istvan Basilica
Castle District
Bridge closure on August 19 & 20, 2008:
08/19 Chain Bridge - 15:00 - 18:00
08/20 Elizabeth Bridge: 14:00 - 24:00
Chain Bridge: 14:00 - 24:00
Szabadsag (Liberty) Bridge 17:00 - 24:00
Street closures from August 19, 23:00 - August 20, 24:00
Kossuth Square between Szalay u. and Vertanuk Square
Alkotmany street between Honved street and Kossuth Square
Street closures on August 20, 2008:
08:30 - 10:00: Andrassy ut between Octogon and Heroes square and Andrassy ut (service road) between Heroes square and Rippl-Ronai u.
10:00 - 20:00: Andrassy ut between Bajza u. - Heroes square
07:00 - 12:00: Heroes square, Allatkerti korut between Allatkerti ut and Heroes Square, Kos Karoly setany, Olof Palme setany between Heroes square and Dvorak setany
09:00 - 12:00: Dozsa Gyorgy ut between Podmaniczky u. and Varosligeti fasor
17:00 - 20:00: October 6 between Zrinyi u. and Arany J. u.
14:00 - 20:00: Both sides of Basilica, Szent Istvan ter, Hercegprimas u. between Arany J. and Jozsef A. u.
17:00 - 20:00: Szent Istvan ter, Zrinyi u, October 6. u., Jozsef A. u., Nador u., Arany J. u. Hercegprimas u. and Szent Istvan ter
Street closure (Castle Area) from August 11, 0:00 - August 23, 24:00:
Szent Gyorgy u. - Clark Adam square - Siklo u.
Please remain alert for unscheduled or unannounced roadblocks or delays throughout the city. Travelers may find it more pleasant to use public transportation to avoid traffic and parking problems.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution and Consular Information Sheet for Hungary can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays)
The U.S. Embassy in Budapest can be reached at 36-1-475-4164; the after hours emergency number is 36-1-475-4924; the fax number is 36-1-475-4113. The Embassy's web site, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Hungary, is at www.usembassy.hu.


July 1

Budapest, Hungary
Warden Message: Overseas Absentee Voting
Act now to register to vote and request an absentee ballot for the 2008 presidential and general elections!

Eligibility to Vote

Generally, all U.S. citizens 18 years or older who are residing outside the United States during an election period are eligible to vote absentee in any election for Federal office. Some states allow overseas voters to vote in state and local elections as well. http://www.fvap.gov Voting eligibility and residency requirements are determined by the various U.S. states, and are available on-line at http://fvap.gov/pubs/vag.html. Your "legal state of residence" for voting purposes is the state where you last resided immediately prior to departure from the United States. Voting rights extend to overseas citizens even though they may no longer own property or have other ties to their last state of residence, and even if their intent to return to that state may be uncertain. For those who have never resided in the United States, sixteen states allow certain U.S. citizens to register where a parent or spouse would be eligible to vote.

Voter Registration & Requesting an Absentee Ballot

Voters who have not yet registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot should do so now.

1. Complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA ) using the instructions for your state in the Voting Assistance Guide . You may pick up a hard copy of the FPCA from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or use the online version .

2. Sign, date and mail the completed FPCA to the address listed in the Voting Assistance Guide . If you are sending the FPCA through international mail, please affix appropriate airmail postage. Alternatively, you can print out a postage-paid address label and ask any U.S. Embassy or Consulate to send your FPCA postage-paid through diplomatic pouch or the military postal service. Some states allow voters to send in the FPCA by fax, but they also require you to send in the hard copy by mail. Follow your state's regulations precisely.

3. Send in a new FPCA if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

4. Check your state's voter registration verification website (http://fvap.gov/vao/stregissites.html), or follow up directly with your local election officials, to confirm that you are registered.

Voting

Your local voting officials should mail your absentee ballot 30 to 45 days before the November 4 general election. Return your voted ballot as early as possible. Be aware of your state's ballot receipt deadline, as well as any postmarking requirements.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB ) serves as an emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials. Please note: You must register to vote and request an absentee ballot by your state's deadline - usually 30 days before the election - to be eligible to use the FWAB. We strongly recommend that voters who have not received their ballot by October 15 complete and return the FWAB to ensure your vote is received in time to be counted.

Questions?

The official U.S. government website for overseas voters is the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at www.fvap.gov.

The Voting Assistance Officer at the American Embassy, Budapest is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call 36-1-475-4164 or send an e-mail to VoteBudapest@state.gov.




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