Make your voice heard... vote! Published March 26, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Connor Estes 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The 2012 presidential election is just around the corner. For U.S. Air Force personnel, living overseas doesn't have to be an obstacle in participating in the election process. "You can register to vote, request absentee ballots and find the answers to most of your voting questions on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at www.fvap.gov," said Capt. Daniel Land, 48th Maintenance Group installation voting assistance officer. "It is a great tool that makes the entire process very easy." According to 1st Lt. Khalisha Savage, 48th Comptroller Squadron unit voting assistance officer, people who haven't received their absentee ballots can still get their vote counted in the election by filling out a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. The Standard Form 186 can be found with unit voting representatives or online at www.fvap.gov. The form provides servicemembers with voting information, such as state-by-state absentee voting instructions and registration deadlines. "Because servicemembers are highly mobile, FVAP recommends completing the Federal Post Card Application in January and whenever you move or are transferred," said Savage. "In many states the FPCA is valid only for the calendar year. Check www.fvap.gov for specific state requirements." While free to participate in the political process, there are some things Airmen need to keep in mind. These rules are listed in Air Force Instruction 51-902. Some examples of prohibited activities include: 1. Participating in any radio, television or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate 2. Using contemptuous words against the office holders described in Title 10, United States Code, section 888 3. Attending, as an official representative of the Armed Forces, partisan political events, even without actively participating On the other hand, Airmen are not discouraged from participating in political activities as private citizens. Some examples of permitted activities include: 1. Registering to vote and voting 2. Expressing a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces 3. Attending political meetings or rallies as a spectator when not in uniform 4. Displaying a political sticker on your private vehicle, or wearing a political button when not in uniform and not on duty "The right [to vote] is something a lot of people have fought and died for," said Savage. "Being military, we should honor them by participating."