Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - We agree with those in Puerto Vallarta who are intent on discussing the issue that the upcoming election in the United States is going to be one of the most important events in the history of the country.

If one party wins, there will be upheaval and chaos; the other party is determined to make serious changes that have been the subject of much debate pre-nomination. The conventions were watched closely around the world with many people having strong opinions and much at stake.

For those who have not yet taken the time to register, there is little time to waste and we know the days can flash by in Puerto Vallarta while lazing around the pool in an attempt to keep cool, sipping on a refreshing daiquiri. Take the time to head to the votefromabroad.org website and, regardless of your political affiliation, you can easily be signed up to defend your position, even if it's from abroad.

Don't be afraid to be informed. Check out information about the candidates on sites other than Facebook. You will find that moveon.org leans to the left but has a lot of great data, and for a relatively unbiased point of view, go to npr.org.

There are sites that can give you issues divided by party, state and local district. One such site is fvap.gov, which offers answers to frequent overseas citizen voter questions and links to updated information about your home state and town.

Depending on the state, ballots may be sent and received by email, fax, online platform or regular mail. Completing the ballot also differs by state, and voters often have to follow a precise list of instructions, including the use of an inner "secrecy envelope," to ensure the vote is counted.

It's not necessary to have an address in the United States; this does not disallow you to vote if you are a citizen. Wherever you originally hailed from is the place you will register. Several states and the District of Columbia allow US citizens who have never resided in the United States to register where their parent would be eligible to vote. We encourage first time voters to exercise their rights; eligibility requires US citizens to be 18 years or older.

To be counted, your ballot has to get to your town or county election office, often by Election Day. That's why it's imperative to request, receive, and return your ballot NOW! If there isn't enough time to receive and send back your ballot before an election deadline, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a back-up ballot as soon as possible.

Voting is a way to make your voice be heard. If you don't vote, you have no one to blame but yourself if you don't like the election results.

Que es cómo es.

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The number one selling and listing agency in the greater Bay of Banderas region since 2011, Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the city's Romantic Zone. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate and, with 5 sales offices around the bay, we know our communities well. If you are looking to sell or purchase a property in the Banderas Bay area, download their Free Real Estate Buyer and Seller's Guides to learn more, then contact one of the Timothy Real Estate Group agents for the best experience in Puerto Vallarta real estate. For more information, visit TimothyRealEstateGroup.com.

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