Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There are a number of common misconceptions about voting from abroad, which can prevent Americans abroad from exercising their right to vote. Please help us dispel these myths!

Myth #1 "I can't vote. I don't have a US address anymore."

WRONG. Regardless of how long you have lived outside the country, you always retain the right to vote in US Federal elections. Your legal voting address is the last place you resided prior to departing the US. (If you have never lived in the US, many states will allow you to vote using the legal voting address of one of your American parents. Also, depending on state law, it could be that studying or summering in the United States is enough to establish residence. Check with local authorities.)

Myth #2 "I don't need to register. I did it last time."

WRONG. The law has changed. Voters living abroad need to mail in a ballot request every Federal election year. Yes, there are some places, like California, which permit "permanent absentee" registration. But, don't forget that our votes are administered by thousands of different local authorities across the country, each with its own understanding of the law. Better safe than sorry - send a new ballot request every election year! Click HERE for more information.

Myth #3 "They don't even count overseas ballots.

WRONG. Absolutely 100% false. By law, every properly executed absentee ballot must be counted before a final vote count can be certified. However, if the number of outstanding ballots - overseas or otherwise - is smaller than the difference between two candidates, a winner may be called before every last vote has been tallied. Nonetheless, all outstanding ballots must be counted before the election result can be certified.

Myth #4 "One vote can't make a difference."

WRONG. Just look at recent election results. Florida 2000: George W. Bush wins the state - and the presidency - by a margin of 537 votes. Washington 2004: Democrat Christine Gregoire becomes Governor by just 133 votes. Minnesota 2008: Al Franken is finally seated in the Senate with a 312-vote victory.

Myth #5 "If I vote, the IRS will hassle me."

WRONG. Voting in US Federal elections does not affect the determination of tax liability or tax residence. You will not hear from the IRS because you voted in a Federal election, i.e. President, Senate, or House of Representatives. (Note: Voting in state and local elections can potentially affect state and local tax status. You should seek expert advice before voting in state or local elections.)

Myth #6 "Voting from abroad is so complicated."

WRONG. This used to be true! Now, US citizens can complete the process of registering and requesting an absentee ballot - and spread the word to friends and colleagues! - in just two minutes flat at VoteFromAbroad.org.

However, if you are in the Banderas Bay area and would like some local assistance with registering to vote, volunteers will be on hand at either of the Mail Boxes, Etc. locations in Puerto Vallarta (Plaza Molino de Agua or Plaza Peninsula... MBE is moving from Plaza Caracol) or Philo's Bar and Music Club in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, on Wednesday, April 9th and Friday, April 11th, from 10 am until 2 pm.