Voting and Selective Service Information

ACS assists with voter registration and can provide voting information on all 50 states and federal postcard ballot applications. Usually the applicant must come to the Embassy for this function.

Voting Overseas

Voting is a time-honored ritual for citizens in all democracies, and U.S. citizens living abroad can easily continue to participate in the democratic process if they take into account certain factors. The key to successful voting overseas is to request the absentee ballots early. Starting early ensures every vote will be counted.

The most complete source of information for overseas voters is the web site of the Federal Voting Assistance Program. The web site has a downloadable Federal Post Card Application, which can be used to request an absentee ballot from election officials in the locality where one intends to vote. When requesting an absentee ballot, be sure to use an accurate home or business address to which the ballot will be mailed. Absentee ballots must be sent from the United States directly to the voter by international mail. The Embassy cannot receive nor forward ballots to voters overseas. The web site also has addresses for local election officials throughout the United States, a list of frequently asked questions, and links to a number of other useful sites, including the voting information sites of individual states.

Copies of the Federal Post Card Application and addresses for local election officials are also available in the ACS Unit of the Consular Section. Please ask for them at Window 2, between 8:30AM and noon, Monday through Thursday.

Completed Federal Post Card Applications and voted ballots may be sent to the United States via international mail. ACS will also accept and mail completed Federal Post Card Applications and voted ballots on behalf of U.S. citizens residing in Colombia. However, U.S. postage must be affixed; the Embassy will not provide postage.

Selective Service

Males over the age of 18 may register for the Selective Service by coming to the ACS Unit in person.

Contact ACS:
ACS_Bogota@state.gov
ACS_Bogota@state.gov