Absentee ballot information available

2000-03-02

RIGA – In this presidential election year, the U.S. Embassy would like to remind all Americans living in Latvia of their opportunity to vote in U.S. elections. American citizens living overseas can vote by absentee ballot but every state has different requirements for registering to vote and for voting absentee. In many states, potential voters must first register with the state government several weeks in advance of the election. The consular section of the U.S. Embassy is available to assist Americans who wish participate in the election process and can answer questions about the requirements in the state where one wishes to vote.

In addition, the U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other persons who earned income in the United States of their obligation to file income tax returns. The consular section has federal income tax information and forms. Those persons required to file state income tax returns should request state income tax forms directly from that state government.

The consular section is open every afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00 to assist with voting and tax issues.