Wherever You Are, You’re Here
Most American citizens living or studying outside of the United States are eligible to participate in federal elections via absentee ballot. You may also be eligible to vote in state primaries, run-off elections, and special elections that occur throughout the year. First, you must register to vote with your local election officials in the United States! To exercise your civic duty, take the time to request a ballot well in advance of your trip.
Already overseas and forgot to register? Not to worry—you can take care of it from abroad too.
Registering
You can’t vote online, but you can find all the forms and information you’ll need to register and request an absentee ballot on the Internet. Your voting residence is usually either your college or your parents’ address, unless you’ve moved away from home and registered to vote elsewhere. Every state has its own procedures and deadlines, so visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) Voting Assistance Guide for information on your specific state. Start the process now to make sure you receive your ballots in time to vote.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) can help you access, complete and print all the forms you will need to complete your registration. You will need to create an account, and you’ll still need to print, sign and mail the final form.
Note: Due to a recent change in federal law, overseas voters will have to request an absentee ballot every calendar year. So, for example, even if you complete your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to participate in the November elections, you will need to complete another one in January to participate in federal primaries and special elections the following year.
Absentee Voting
Follow these three simple steps to prepare for your overseas voting experience.
1. Complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Send it to local election officials in the state where you were living before going overseas. Visit the FVAP to find the mailing address for your local election official and state-by-state absentee voting instructions. You can mail your FPCA from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Check your state’s instructions to find out if you can e-mail or fax your FPCA.
2. After your state’s officials approve your request, they will send you absentee ballots for each federal election that calendar year. Some states will even e-mail or fax you your absentee ballot.
3. Vote! Complete the ballot and send it back in time to meet your state’s deadlines. Learn more about your state’s procedures and deadlines.
Absentee Ballot
If you have requested an absentee ballot for a federal election, but you haven’t received it 30 days ahead of your state’s ballot receipt deadline, complete and submit a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB)—also known as “an emergency ballot.”
If you are already overseas, contact the Voting Assistance Officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help, or download the FWAB here, write in the candidates of your choice, and mail it to your local election officials. If your regular absentee ballot arrives later, you should fill it out and mail it back too. If by chance both make it in by the deadline, your local election official will be able to determine which of the two ballots should be counted.
Exercise your right to vote, and let your voice be heard!
Each state has specific rules and regulations that you’ll need to follow in order to successfully vote absentee. Find your state. For additional assistance completing your registration (FPCA) or absentee ballot (FWAB) the Overseas Vote Foundation has set up an online wizard to guide you through the requirements for your state.
Need more information? The Federal Voting Assistance Program can answer any questions you may have. To get up-to-date voting information, email to subscribe to FVAP’s Voting Alerts. FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebook and Twitter.
If you are already overseas and need help, contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.
