AIT Announcements Thread

Legal General Legal Matters
41

[quote=“AIT”]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/or requested an absentee ballot should complete a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) on the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at fvap.gov . You may also pick up a hard copy of the FPCA from AIT.

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 AIT. Some states also accept FPCAs by fax or e-mail.

Voting

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.

Emergency Ballots

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 fvap.gov as well.

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at AIT is also always available to answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting Assistance Officer, call 02-2162-2306 or or send an e-mail to VoteTaipei@state.gov .[/quote]

42

[quote]The American Institute in Taiwan wishes to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Taiwan that the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued a Typhoon Warning for Typhoon Sinlaku. This storm is expected to affect Taiwan for the next several days. The projected track of the storm is toward the north-east coast of Taiwan.

U.S. citizens should monitor the progress of the storm on Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau website icrt.com.tw/en/D01.php

For additional information on storms, their effects, and steps you should take to prepare, please see the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for several useful links related to natural disasters and emergencies:
travel.state.gov/travel/tips … mergencies

The Consular Section of the American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei Office, can be reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by telephone at (02) 2162-2000; by fax at (02) 2162-2239; and by e-mail at ait.org.tw

Taiwan airports and public transportation services may suspend operations as a result of the storm. American citizens should confirm that transportation facilities are open and operating before traveling.[/quote]

43

[quote=“AIT”]U.S. Citizens in Taiwan have a number of options for mailing voted ballots to their local election officials in their home state. AIT provides this information to citizens to assist them in voting, but does not endorse or suggest any particular method. It is up to the voter to ensure that their ballot reaches the appropriate office by the deadline. Comprehensive information on absentee voting for all states and territories can be found online at fvap.gov, including contact information for local election officials and state deadlines for registering to vote and for requesting and submitting ballots. AIT encourages citizens to vote and return the regular state ballot regardless of its receipt date (up to and including Election Day) because some states may provide for counting of these
ballots from overseas citizens.

  1. Taiwan Post’s First Class Mail: Take your voted ballot to the local post office. International mail to the U.S. costs approximately TWD$50 (depending on weight) and can take up to 10 days, though most items generally take less than a week. You can also ask for this to be registered mail.

  2. Taiwan Post’s Express Mail Service (EMS): This express service at the local Taiwan Post office costs approximately TWD$300 and can take up to 4 days to the U.S. Items can be tracked online at postserv.post.gov.tw/WebMailNslo … I_EMS.html and at
    usps.gov (once in the U.S.).

  3. Private Express Courier: Voters can choose to use private express courier services to send their voted ballots to all states and territories except Alabama. Express courier companies cannot deliver to post office boxes, so you will need to know the street address of your local voting official in the United States. Mail sent by express courier companies is not postmarked. Alabama voters cannot use this option.

Fed Ex: Free service from Taiwan to your local election official. Visit
overseasvotefoundation.org/ … urVote.htm
to complete your own FedEx air waybill. Then drop off your ballot and waybill before October 29 at a FedEx service center or partner store. Find drop-off locations at: fedex.com/tw_english/dropoff/

DHL: Free service from Taiwan for voted ballots to your local election official. dhl.com.tw/publish/tw/en.high.html Drop off your ballot before October 29.

UPS: Visit ups.com/content/tw/en/index.jsx for information

  1. AIT internal mail: AIT can use its internal mailbag to send voting materials to the U.S. free of charge. This service from AIT to your local election official can take 15-20 days. You should submit the voted ballots to AIT no later than October 10 if availing yourself of this no-cost option… AIT will place a date stamp and AIT seal on the ballot as evidence of the date and location from which the ballot was mailed; this is not a postmark, however. All materials must already be addressed to the appropriate election official in the local jurisdiction where you vote.[/quote]
44

[quote=“AIT”]The American Institute in Taiwan wishes to alert U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Taiwan that the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued a Typhoon Warning for Typhoon Jangmi. This storm is expected to affect Taiwan for the next several days. The projected track of the storm is to the south of Taiwan.

U.S. citizens should monitor the progress of the storm on Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau website icrt.com.tw/en/D01.php

For additional information on storms, their effects, and steps you should take to prepare, please see the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for several useful links related to natural disasters and emergencies: travel.state.gov/travel/tips … mergencies

The Consular Section of the American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei and Kaohsiung Offices, can be reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by telephone at (02) 2162-2000 and (07) 238-7744; by fax at (02) 2162-2239 and (07) 238-5237; and by e-mail at ait.org.tw

Taiwan airports and public transportation services may suspend operations as a result of the storm. American citizens should confirm that transportation facilities are open and operating before traveling.[/quote]

45
46

[quote=“AIT”]The following information is provided to you by the American Institute in Taiwan. If you have questions, please write to VoteTaipei@state.gov

Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot?

A: It’s a blank form that serves as an emergency ballot for overseas or military voters who registered and requested an absentee ballot in time, but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials. It is used to vote for Federal offices (President/Vice President, U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Delegate or Resident Commissioner) in general elections. In general, it cannot be used for primaries or elections for local offices, but some states are now beginning to allow it for these.

Q: How can I get one?

A: We have hard copies at AIT which include the official envelope, or you can download the ballot from fvap.gov .

Q: When should I use one?

A: If you haven’t received your state’s official ballot here in Taiwan by now - by October 20 - you should use the FWAB.

Q: What if I use the FWAB and then receive the regular state ballot?

A: You should still mark the state ballot and return it. If the regular state ballot arrives in time, the local election officials will count it rather than the FWAB. You should mail the completed state ballot to the local election official even if it may not arrive by Election Day.

Q: Are absentee votes really counted?

A: All absentee votes that arrive by the state’s deadline are counted for the official record. Many states have deadlines after November 4 (for instance, New York requires that ballots be postmarked by November 3, but arrive by November 17). In that case, election results may already have been announced but the vote will be counted for the record.

Q: What states require witnessing of the ballot or FWAB?

A: Individual state requirements can be very particular. For instance, Wisconsin requires that an adult U.S. citizen witness the ballot return envelope and include his/her date of birth. The Virginia Board of Elections notes that they have to disqualify many FWABs because they are
missing the witness address. According to the Virginia Board of Elections, “the completed, signed and witnessed FWAB must be received by Thursday, October 30, 2008. The voter must sign and include his printed name, the city or county where he is registered, the
residence address at which he is registered to vote and his current military or overseas address. The witness must include their signature AND address on the witness signature line or the ballot may not be counted.”

Q: How can I mail the FWAB to the U.S.?

A: See AIT’s webpage which details various mailing options from Taiwan (ait.org.tw/en/uscitizens/MailingOptions.asp ). If you get the hard copy from AIT, it has an official return envelope. If you’re NEITHER a Uniformed Services member, member of the Merchant Marine, or a dependent of a Uniformed Service or Merchant Marine member, you need an OVERSEAS postmark on the envelope in order for the FWAB to be counted. Local election officials are instructed NOT to count these ballots if they are submitted from within the U.S. (unless by military members noted above).

Q: Can I e-mail or fax my voted ballot to the U.S.?

A: Very few states allow voted ballots and FWABs to be emailed or faxed back. You must waive your right to a secret ballot. Check your state’s pages in the Voting Assistance Guide:
fvap.gov/for-voting-assistan … index.html
These pages have the states’ detailed requirements, but they don’t have the LOCAL U.S. fax numbers and email addresses for your election official. For those, you’ll need to check your state’s official voting webpage, or your Secretary of State’s webpage. It’s recommended that you fax or email DIRECTLY to the local election official. After faxing or emailing the ballot, mail the completed ballot to the local election official, even if it may not arrive by the state’s ballot return deadline.[/quote]

47

…

48

[quote=“jlick”][quote=“AIT”]Warden Message – Demonstrations at Taipei World Trade Center January 8, 2009

Four to five protesters are expected to assemble near the building. Taiwan Police are aware of the demonstration. The event is scheduled from 10:00 am through noon on Thursday January 8, 2009.[/quote][/quote]

Can this really be called a threat?

49

[quote=“AIT”]January 16, 2009

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has been informed that a local pro- Palestinian group will hold a rally outside the Israeli Trade Office at the World Trade Building (#333, Keelung Road Sec. 1, Taipei City) and AIT (#7, Lane 134, Xinyi Rd Sec 3, Taipei City). Protesters are expected to assemble near the buildings. Taiwan Police are aware of the demonstration. The event is scheduled to begin at 10:00 am at the World Trade Center and at 2:00 PM at AIT on Xinyi Road.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Taiwan from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor AIT’s website travel.state.gov/travel/tips/saf … _1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. 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 U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.[/quote]
News Report
Gaza supporters protest at AIT gates
taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/ … 2003434287

50

[quote]Warden Message: H1N1 INFLUENZA A UPDATE

U.S. citizens in Taiwan seeking up-to-date information on the recent outbreak of H1N1 Influenza A in the United States and Mexico should refer to the websites of public health authorities.

The World Health Organization provides information on H1N1 flu at:
who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has information available at:
cdc.gov/swineflu/

Taiwan’s Center for Disease Control’s website is located in English at:
cdc.gov.tw/mp.asp?mp=5

Additional information on H1N1 flu and pandemic influenza can also be accessed through:
pandemicflu.gov/

Further information from the U.S. Department of State can be found at:
travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_t … demic.html

We encourage travelers to contact airlines regarding possible travel restrictions, including in countries they are transiting. Individuals who are sick, especially with fevers or flu-like symptoms, should consult with a doctor and their airline before traveling.

For general safety and security information, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) encourages Americans living or traveling abroad to monitor the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at travel.state.gov/travel/tips/saf … _1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. 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 U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, on a regular toll line at +1 (202) 501-4444.

AIT encourages you, as an American living or traveling in Taiwan, to register through the State Department’s travel registration website, travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ . Registration is a voluntary way of telling us that you, as an American citizen, are in Taiwan, whether for a long-term stay or for a short visit. In the event of an emergency, we use registration information to communicate with you. This could include a family emergency in which relatives in the United States request that AIT contact you.

The Consular Section of AIT’s Taipei and Kaohsiung Offices can be reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by telephone at (02) 2162-2000 and (07) 238-7744; by fax at (02) 2162-2239 and (07) 238-5237; and by e-mail at amcit-ait-t@state.gov . After hours, in case of emergency, a duty officer can be reached by calling the AIT switchboard at (02) 2162-2000. The AIT Taipei office is located at No.7, Lane 134, Sec. 3, XinYi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei City 10659. The address for AIT Kaohsiung is: 5th Floor, No.2, ChungCheng 3rd Rd., Xin-Xing District, Kaohsiung City 80052.[/quote]

51

[quote=“AIT”]Warden Message

May 15, 2009

The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) has learned from various sources,
including law enforcement and media, that the Democratic Progressive
Party (DPP) is planning to stage a large demonstration on Sunday, May
17, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. through 10:00 p.m. (and possibly continue
throughout Monday, May 18, 2009). The purpose of the demonstration is
to “oppose the government’s China policies and the proposed amendments
to the Assembly and Parade Act.” The DPP officials claim that 300,000
people will attend the protest, but police sources estimate the number
to be around 100,000. The demonstrators will be converging at the
Ketagalan Avenue from four different rally points in Taipei - the Ding
Hao Market in Zhongxiao East Road, the Zhong Shan Soccer Stadium at the
Zhongshan North Road, the National Taiwan University, and the Wanhua
Railway Station.

Demonstrations take place in Taiwan from time to time in response to
world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that
even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged
to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise
caution if within the vicinity of any demonstration. American citizens
should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of
their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department
of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website travel.state.gov/ ,
where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and
Country Specific Information can be found. AIT also encourages U.S. citizens
to review “A Safe Trip Abroad,” found at
travel.state.gov/travel/tips/saf … _1747.html , which
includes valuable security information for those both living and
traveling abroad. 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 U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and
Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

AIT encourages you, as an American living or traveling in Taiwan, to
register through the State Department’s travel registration website,
travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ . Registration is a
voluntary way of telling us that you, as an American citizen, are in
Taiwan, whether for a long-term stay or for a short visit. In the event
of an emergency, we use registration information to communicate with
you. This could include a family emergency in which relatives in the
United States request that AIT contact you.

The Consular Section of AIT’s Taipei and Kaohsiung Offices can be
reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by
telephone at (02) 2162-2000 and (07) 238-7744; by fax at (02) 2162-2239
and (07) 238-5237; and by e-mail at amcit-ait-t@state.gov . After hours,
in case of emergency, a duty officer can be reached by calling the AIT
switchboard at (02) 2162-2000. The AIT Taipei office is located at No.7,
Lane 134, Sec. 3, XinYi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei City 10659. The address
for AIT Kaohsiung is: 5th Floor, No.2, ChungCheng 3rd Rd., Xin-Xing District,
Kaohsiung City 80052.[/quote]

52

[quote=“AIT”]The American Institute in Taiwan wishes to alert U.S. citizens residing
or traveling in Taiwan that the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau has issued
a Typhoon Warning for Typhoon MORAKOT. This storm is expected to affect
Taiwan over the next 72 hours. The projected track of the storm is
through north-central Taiwan.

U.S. citizens should monitor the progress of the storm on Taiwan’s
Central Weather Bureau website cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm
http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm (in English) and through local
media and make appropriate provisions for food, water and shelter.
International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) also provides regular
weather bulletins in English. ICRT broadcasts at 100.7 FM in the Taipei
and Kaohsiung areas and at 100.1 FM in Taichung. ICRT also offers
streaming audio over the internet: www.icrt.com.tw/en/D01.php
http://www.icrt.com.tw/en/D01.php

For additional information on storms, their effects, and steps you
should take to prepare, please see the State Department’s Bureau of
Consular Affairs website for several useful links related to natural
disasters and emergencies:
travel.state.gov/travel/tips … mergencies
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies

AIT encourages you, as an American living or traveling in Taiwan, to
register through the State Department’s travel registration website,
travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ Registration is a
voluntary way of telling us that you, as an American citizen, are in
Taiwan, whether for a long-term stay or for a short visit. In the event
of an emergency, we use registration information to communicate with
you. This could include a family emergency in which relatives in the
United States request that AIT contact you.

The Consular Section of AIT’s Taipei and Kaohsiung Offices can be
reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by
telephone at (02) 2162-2000 and (07) 238-7744; by fax at (02) 2162-2239
and (07) 238-5237; and by e-mail at amcit-ait-t@state.gov
mailto:amcit-ait-t@state.gov . After hours, in case of emergency, a
duty officer can be reached by calling the AIT switchboard at (02)
2162-2000. The AIT Taipei office is located at No.7, Lane 134, Sec. 3,
XinYi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei City 10659. The address for AIT
Kaohsiung is: 5th Floor, No.2, ChungCheng 3rd Rd., Xin-Xing District,
Kaohsiung City 80052. If AIT must close because of the storm, the
American Institute in Taiwan will post a notice on its website
www.ait.org.tw http://www.ait.org.tw/

Taiwan airports and public transportation services may suspend
operations as a result of the storm. American citizens should confirm
that transportation facilities are open and operating before traveling. [/quote]

53

[quote=“jlick”][quote=“AIT”]According to local police, as many as 2,000 protesters will hold a demonstration on Saturday, September 8, in Taipei. Participants are expected to gather near the Sun Yatsen Memorial Hall at 2:30pm before proceeding to the American Institute in Taiwan. Persons in the vicinity of the protest route, including visitors to the flower market at Jianguo Road, should exercise caution.

Best Regards,
American Citizen Services
American Institute in Taiwan
Taipei Office: Xinyi Rd. Sec. 3, Lane 134, #7, 2nd Floor
Web: ait.org.tw/en/uscitizens/
Email: aitamcit@mail.ait.org.tw[/quote][/quote]

What are they protesting?

54

[quote=“AIT”]The American Institute in Taiwan wishes to alert U.S. citizens residing
or traveling in Taiwan that the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau is
tracking Typhoon PARMA. This storm is may affect Taiwan over the
weekend and early next week. The projected track of the storm is
towards the south of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Central Bureau is also
tracking TYPHOON MELOR, which could also affect Taiwan in the next
several days.

U.S. citizens should monitor the progress of the storms on Taiwan’s
Central Weather Bureau website cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm
http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm (in English) and through local
media and make appropriate provisions for food, water and shelter.
International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT) also provides regular
weather bulletins in English. ICRT broadcasts at 100.7 FM in the Taipei
and Kaohsiung areas and at 100.1 FM in Taichung. ICRT also offers
streaming audio over the internet: www.icrt.com.tw/en/D01.php
http://www.icrt.com.tw/en/D01.php

For additional information on storms, their effects, and steps you
should take to prepare, please see the State Department’s Bureau of
Consular Affairs website for several useful links related to natural
disasters and emergencies:
travel.state.gov/travel/tips/eme … _1212.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
.

AIT encourages you, as an American living or traveling in Taiwan, to
register through the State Department’s travel registration website,
travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ Registration is a
voluntary way of telling us that you, as an American citizen, are in
Taiwan, whether for a long-term stay or for a short visit. In the event
of an emergency, we use registration information to communicate with
you. This could include a family emergency in which relatives in the
United States request that AIT contact you.

The Consular Section of AIT’s Taipei and Kaohsiung Offices can be
reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by
telephone at (02) 2162-2000 and (07) 238-7744; by fax at (02) 2162-2239
and (07) 238-5237; and by e-mail at amcit-ait-t@state.gov
mailto:amcit-ait-t@state.gov . After hours, in case of emergency, a
duty officer can be reached by calling the AIT switchboard at (02)
2162-2000. The AIT Taipei office is located at No.7, Lane 134, Sec. 3,
XinYi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei City 10659. The address for AIT
Kaohsiung is: 5th Floor, No.2, ChungCheng 3rd Rd., Xin-Xing District,
Kaohsiung City 80052. If AIT must close because of the storm, the
American Institute in Taiwan will post a notice on its website
www.ait.org.tw http://www.ait.org.tw/ AIT/Taipei in general follows
the Taipei City government with regard to decisions concerning closure
of normal business operations. In general, AIT/Kaohsiung follows the
Kaohsiung City government for decisions concerning closure of
operations.

Taiwan airports and public transportation services may suspend
operations as a result of the storm. American citizens should confirm
that transportation facilities are open and operating before traveling.[/quote]

55

You have some connection with AIT, right?
They put out a press release today about the green card lottery in which they state that residents of “the island of Taiwan and the island of Penghu” are eligible to apply. I tried calling AIT for clarification regarding Kinmen, Matsu, Orchid island and Green island, but the person on the other end was utterly, utterly clueless (as we’ve come to expect from AIT, of course.)
Any chance you can find out the skinny?
Conjecture at this end is that so they can refuse to invoke the TRA in the event of a commie attack on Kinmen or Matsu, but what about Orchid and Green island? They don’t want abos applying, or what?

56

I’m no longer a moderator, but the rest still holds. These are emails that are sent to those who signed up for AIT US Citizens residing in Taiwan registry. I repost them here for the benefit of those who are otherwise unaware of them.

57

[quote=“AIT”]The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) American Citizen Services Section
will begin posting notices regarding demonstrations in Taiwan on its
website, whenever we receive reliable information. In most cases, AIT
will not send out a warden message when it has information on a planned
demonstration. Demonstration notices will be posted at the following
link: ait.org.tw/en/uscitizens/news/
http://www.ait.org.tw/en/uscitizens/news/

U.S. citizens should note that AIT may not receive notice of every
planned demonstration, and some demonstrations may occur spontaneously.
Demonstrations take place in Taiwan from time to time in response to
world events or local developments. We remind U.S. citizens that even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should avoid the areas
of demonstrations if possible and exercise caution if within the
vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with
media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all
times.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S.
Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs¡¦ website
travel.state.gov http://www.travel.state.gov/ , where the current
Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific
Information can be found. AIT also encourages U.S. citizens to review
to “A Safe Trip Abroad,” found at
travel.state.gov/travel/tips/saf … _1747.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which
includes valuable security information for those both living and
traveling abroad. 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 U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and
Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

AIT encourages you, as a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Taiwan, to
register through the State Department¡¦s travel registration website,
travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ Registration is a
voluntary way of telling us that you, as a U.S. citizen, are in Taiwan,
whether for a long-term stay or for a short visit. In the event of an
emergency, we use registration information to communicate with you.
This could include a family emergency in which relatives in the United
States request that AIT contact you.

The Consular Section of AIT¡¦s Taipei and Kaohsiung Offices can be
reached during regular business hours (M-F, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by
telephone at (02) 2162-2000 and (07) 238-7744; by fax at (02) 2162-2239
and (07) 238-5237; and by e-mail at amcit-ait-t@state.gov
mailto:amcit-ait-t@state.gov . After hours, in case of emergency, a
duty officer can be reached by calling the AIT switchboard at (02)
2162-2000. The AIT Taipei office is located at No.7, Lane 134, Sec. 3,
XinYi Rd., Da-an District, Taipei City 10659. The address for AIT
Kaohsiung is: 5th Floor, No.2, ChungCheng 3rd Rd., Xin-Xing District,
Kaohsiung City 80052. [/quote]

58

[quote]We remind U.S. citizens that even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should avoid the areas
of demonstrations if possible and exercise caution if within the
vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with
media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all
times.
[/quote]
Weird. Is AIT REALLY so completely and utterly out of touch with reality? :laughing:

59

[quote=“sandman”][quote]We remind U.S. citizens that even
demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and
possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens should avoid the areas
of demonstrations if possible and exercise caution if within the
vicinity of any demonstrations. U.S. citizens should stay current with
media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all
times.
[/quote]
Weird. Is AIT REALLY so completely and utterly out of touch with reality? :laughing:[/quote]

Standard CYA boilerplate. Seen at every consulate world-wide.

60

[quote=“AIT”]The American Institute in Taiwan(AIT) is transmitting the following
information through the AIT’s warden system as a public service to
all U.S. citizens in Taiwan. Please disseminate this message to U.S.
citizens in your organizations or to other Americans you know.

On October 28, 2009, Congress enacted the Military and Overseas Voter
Empowerment (MOVE) Act. This legislation amends existing law regarding
overseas voting in federal elections, and should make voting easier for
overseas Americans.

New Procedures for 2010 Elections

Beginning with the November 2010 general election, and for all
subsequent general, special, and primary elections, states will be
required to mail out ballots at least 45 days prior to an election for a
federal office. This requirement may cause some states to select
earlier primary dates in order to comply with the 45 day mailing
deadline, or to request waivers due to special circumstances.

In addition to mailing ballots to overseas voters, the states will be
required, at the voter’s request, to provide registration forms,
absentee ballot request forms, and blank ballots via fax or email.
However, each state’s laws determine whether ballot requests or voted
ballots can be returned via fax or email. The new law prohibits states
from rejecting marked ballots based on notarization, paper size, or
paper weight requirements. The witnessing requirements of individual
states remain in place.

Overseas Absentee Ballot Requests

Effective immediately, states will no longer be required by federal law
to continue to mail election materials to overseas addresses (even when
they are determined to be invalid) for two complete general election
cycles on the basis of a single ballot request.

It will now be up to each state to determine how long to continue to
send out election materials before requiring overseas voters to submit
new ballot requests. This change, sought by local election officials,
should greatly decrease the volume of voting materials sent abroad to
addresses where Americans no longer reside.

State Department Recommendations

In light of these changes, the Department of State recommends that all
U.S. voters residing abroad request absentee ballots from their local
election officials at the start of each calendar year, and whenever
there is a change of address, change of e-mail address, or change of
name, by completing and sending in a Federal Post Card Application
(FPCA). To locate information on your specific state’s requirements,
and to obtain an on-line version of the FPCA, please visit www.fvap.gov
http://www.fvap.gov/ . Voters may also pick up a hard copy of the
FPCA from any U.S. embassy or consulate. FPCAs may be mailed to your
local voting officials in the United States via international mail or
from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Many states allow U.S. citizens
overseas to submit the FPCA by e-mail or fax.

The Department of State strongly encourages all U.S. overseas voters to
provide email addresses or fax numbers on their FPCAs to enable local
election officials to transmit election materials in the fastest manner
available, which should then allow sufficient time for the return of
voted ballots. For information regarding your specific state, please
visit

www.fvap.gov http://www.fvap.gov/ .

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency
ballot for the November general elections for federal offices, although
some states also permit its use for elections for state and local
offices. Beginning in January 2011, the new law allows use of the FWAB
for primary, special, and runoff elections for federal offices. Voters
who request an absentee ballot in advance of their state’s ballot
request deadline, but who fail to receive an official ballot from local
election officials in time to vote, should complete the Federal Write-In
Absentee Ballot and send it back to local election officials in time for
it to be counted. An on-line version of the FWAB, together with
instructions for its use, is available at www.fvap.gov
http://www.fvap.gov/ .

Questions?

The Voting Assistance Officer at the AIT is also always available to
answer questions about absentee voting. To contact the Voting
Assistance Officer, call 02-2162-2014 or send an e-mail
toVoteTaipei@state.gov mailto:VoteTaipei@state.gov .

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Taiwan are encouraged to register
with the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). Registration may be done
online and in advance of travel. Warden messages detailing the most
recent information for American citizens registered with AIT may be
found on AIT’s website at www.ait.org.tw http://www.ait.org.tw/
Information on registering may be found at the Department of State’s
Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov
http://travel.state.gov/ . US. citizens should consult the Department
of State’s consular information sheet for Taiwan which is available
via the internet at travel.state.gov http://travel.state.gov/
U.S. citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions
by calling 1-8888-501-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or
202-501-4444 from overseas.

U.S. citizens may contact AIT/Taipei via email at amcit-ait-t@state.gov
mailto:amcit-ait-t@state.gov or by telephone at 2162-2014 during
working hours or fax at 2162-2239 after hours or on weekends.
AIT/Taipei is located at 7, Land 134 Xinyi Rd, Sec. 3 Taipei, 10659 .
AIT/Kaohsiung may be reached by telephone at 07-2387744 and is located
at 5/F No. 2 Chung Chen 3rd Road, Kaohsiung. AIT’s website,
ait.org.tw http://www.ait.org.tw/ contains complete
information about services provided and hours of operation.[/quote]