Midterm elections are approaching in the US, and the campaign season is heating up as candidates work to get out the vote. Over here in Prague we're removed from the brouhaha of election season. But whether you're a student on a semester abroad, teach English at a language school, or are here on a long-term work visa, if you are a US citizen older than 18 you've got the right to vote in the upcoming election.

I recently tracked down Art Schankler from Democrats Abroad in the Czech Republic to ask him about the election and his advice for registering to vote from abroad.

JB: Why is it so important to vote in US elections this year?

AS: It's important for everyone to vote in midterm elections, not just in Presidential election years. As we have seen recently, Congress is a key factor in determining US legislation. By getting out and voting this fall, citizens provide direction to both the President and Congress about where they want the country to go, and give Congress the power to help make it happen.

JB: Who can vote in the election?

AS: As long as you are over 18, any US citizen who has lived in the US or is the child of an American citizen who has lived in the US can vote. Every US citizen living overseas, whether temporarily or for 30 years, can register in the state they last lived in before coming overseas.

JB: What is the easiest way to register for an absentee ballot?

AS: Log in to www.votefromabroad.org and fill in the questionnaire. It's easy to use and explains how to fill everything in. Once you've finished, print the form out, sign and date it, and drop it in the mail as soon as possible.

JB: Can anyone use the Votefromabroad site?

AS: Votefromabroad.org is open to voters regardless of what party they are affiliated with. Yes, it was established by Democrats Abroad but it operates on a nonpartisan basis. And we'll print out anyone's ballot request, as long as they are eligible to vote.

JB: Who is involved in getting out the vote this year in Prague?

AS: Democrats Abroad is actively involved. The US embassy has also undertaken a lot of activities this year to encourage people to know what they need to do to register and vote from abroad. And the US government has set up a registration site similar to votefromabroad.org at www.fvap.gov too.

JB: I've noticed a lot of voter activity happening this September. Why is it so important to get registered this month?

AS: Deadlines are approaching for many states, so it is important to sign up as soon as possible, preferably before October.

JB: Do already-registered overseas voters need to fill in the absentee ballot request this year?

AS: Recent legislation requires that everyone register every year. It's not clear yet whether this will be enforced, but we recommend requesting your ballot for the general election in November, just to be on the safe side.

JB: Is there anything else new that long time voters might want to know about?

AS: This year you are able to receive your ballot electronically as long as you check the correct box in Votefromabroad.org or FVAP.gov. That's a nice time saving step.

JB: Cool. Can we vote electronically as well?

AS: Anything that you send in has to have your signature on it, so no, you cannot request your ballot or vote electronically, but you can print out the forms electronically.

JB: What happens if you request a ballot but don't get a ballot in time to vote.

AS: You can fill in what's called a FWAB or a Federal write-in absentee ballot. (It's downloadable from both votefromabroad.org and fvap.gov.) That ballot will allow you to vote for the Congressional and Senate candidates in your district. Check the deadlines though, because they are also sooner than you think! We recommend that everyone mail a FWAB in by October 15 if they haven't received their regular ballot. You should also send the actual ballot in when you receive it. Don't worry, your state will only count your vote once.

JB: Thanks Art, and here's to an exciting election season!