US Embassy Asmara, Eritrea
September 5, 2008

American citizens should register to vote now for the November 4, 2008 presidential and general elections. Many states close voter registration 30 days before the general election. Don’t forget the time it takes for voting forms to reach the U.S. by mail.

Voters who have not yet registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot should complete a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) on the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at www.fvap.gov. You may also pick up a hard copy of the FPCA from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You should also complete a new Federal Postcard Application if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

FPCAs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the U.S. through the regular international mail or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Some states also accept FPCAs by fax or e-mail.

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

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. You can access the FWAB using www.fvap.gov as well.

The Voting Assistance Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Asmara is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call 120004 after 2:00pm Monday through Thursday, or send an e-mail to VoteAsmara@State.gov.

U.S. Embassy London released the following Warden Message on August 14:

The Camp for Climate Action is holding a gathering near Heathrow Airport from Sunday, August 12, to Tuesday, August 21, 2007. The Camp is intended to highlight issues around the air travel industry and its alleged impact on climate change. 

The protestors have declared their intention to highlight their cause by disrupting Heathrow’s day-to-day operations. Protestors are expected to conduct numerous "Direct Actions" at various strategic locations around the airport. These likely will take the form of small groups blocking/disrupting roads, offices, car parks, or any other venue associated with the air travel industry. As well as the week-long plans for “Direct Actions,” there are plans for 24 hours of “Mass Action” between midday on Sunday, August 19, and midday on Monday, August 20, when the number of demonstrators, and the potential for disruption, is expected to increase. 

If traveling by car or taxi to/from Heathrow through August 21, 2007, please allow plenty of extra time for your journey - it is highly likely you will be delayed. You may want to consider other transportation options, such as the train or Underground. If you are collecting a visitor arriving at Heathrow, give prior warning that you may be delayed getting to the airport. 

Historically, climate change demonstrators have not been violent or sought confrontation with Police. The Police are posting updated information at http://www.met.police.uk/communities_together/.
  
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 travel.state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in London also maintains a website at http://london.usembassy.gov. 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 United States or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. You may also reach the U.S. Embassy in London at (020) 7499-9000 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. GMT