Voting Abroad

GOOD TO VOTE

About Voting Abroad

There are roughly 2.9 million eligible American voters living abroad. In 2020, only 7.8% of these voters cast a ballot, compared to the 66% voter turnout of domestic American voters.

Voters living abroad have the opportunity to change elections if they realize their collective power. If you are a US voter living abroad, this page is to help YOU navigate the in’s and out’s of having your voice heard!

Voting Abroad as an Individual or Student

Abroad Absentee Voting Process

Absentee voting while living abroad is a simple process that simply requires an excess of time and planning:

1. Submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA): Submit a FPCA to your local election at least 45 days before an election to confirm your eligibility to vote and receive absentee ballots.

1. You can find the FPCA (as well as the information on where to send your FPCA) here.
2. Depending on your state, you will have to submit an FPCA for every election or once a year.

2. Receive Your Ballot: Once your FPCA has been submitted and received, your state will send you a blank ballot via mail at the address you provided on your FPCA (or in some cases, electronically) no later than 45 days before Election Day. If your FPCA is received after 45 days before Election Day, you will be sent your ballot as soon as your elections office can send it.

3. Complete and return your ballot: We recommend doing this as soon as possible. It is ideal to have as much time as possible to ensure your ballot is received before any absentee deadlines, which depending on your state means your ballot will need to be postmarked or physically at your elections office no later than Election Day. You may return your ballot via the following methods:

International mail
U.S. Embassy Diplomatic Pouch
Express courier service
Via email or fax (in some states)

Even if your state is one of the few that does accept completed ballots over the internet, if you have time for postal delivery, that is the delivery method we encourage!

4. Have a back-up plan: If you requested an absentee ballot and didn’t receive it, you can use an Emergency Write-in Ballot

If you haven’t received your ballot 30 days before an election, submit a completed Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB).
Your FWAB will be counted if your regular ballot doesn’t reach local election officials by your state’s deadline.
The FWAB, as well as instructions on how to complete it, can be found here.

5. Ensure your ballot has been processed: Every single state has resources, either digital or otherwise, to check on your ballot’s status. If you see any issues or if your ballot has not been processed and the deadlines are approaching, you can reach out to your local elections office to learn about your options.

Voting Abroad as a Student

Voting abroad as a student is the same process as detailed above in the “voting abroad as an individual” section but there are some specific nuances and details about being a student that are incredibly important to note!

Information specifically for students voting from abroad.
Your university may have resources available to help you in the process of voting abroad! Contact your study abroad or student life office, and if they don’t have resources, encourage them to provide them to future students!

Voting Abroad as Military Personnel

The process of absentee voting for military personnel living overseas is unique and different from voting abroad as a non-military member. The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) provide special rules and forms to assist military personnel in navigating the process of being an active voter while serving. These measures ensure that despite their circumstances, these individuals can still participate in elections and have their voices heard, ensuring fairness and representation in the democratic process.

Military Voting Rights

Details on voting rights and the use of the FPCA for uniformed services voters.
Specific guidance for military members stationed abroad.

How to Register and Request an Absentee Ballot from Abroad

Follow simple steps provided by the US Vote Foundation to register and request your ballot from overseas.
Go here to register to vote
Enter your data through the guided wizard process.
Enter your information and note that you can request your ballot online so that you receive it faster, but be prepared to print and send it back.
Download, print, and sign your form.
Send your signed form to the local election office address provided in the instructions that come with the form.

Returning Your Absentee Ballot

Every state will accept your voted ballot by post, and some also by electronic means.

To check if your state accepts electronic ballot submission:

Go to US Vote’s State Voter Information directory and select your state.
Choose “overseas or military voter”, and then “Voter Materials Transmission Options,” and click Submit.
On the next screen you will see the ways your state accepts ballots and other voter information.

Puerto Rico:

Residents of Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens but cannot vote in presidential elections if they reside in Puerto Rico. They also do not have voting representation in the U.S. Congress, but they do participate in presidential primary elections. They do, however, have a non-voting Resident Commissioner in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Absentee VotingProcess: (As a whole)

U.S. territories, including places like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, are unique parts of the United States. While residents are U.S. citizens, they don’t have the same voting rights in federal elections as those in states. However, they still play a vital role in American democracy, contributing culturally, economically, and strategically.

Voting As A Student

Voting As Military Personnel

FAQ

General Questions and Registering to Vote

Who is eligible to vote abroad?

U.S. citizens aged 18 or older who meet all voting requirements and who reside outside the United States are eligible to vote absentee in all federal elections. The process for voting in state elections and local elections as an abroad voter depends on your state’s laws and processes. For specific eligibility inquiries, it’s best to contact your local election official by phone or email.

Is voting as military personnel different from regular absentee voting?

Yes! The process for voting as military personnel is a bit different than voting abroad as a US citizen. Military personnel can follow a few simple steps provided by organizations like the US Vote Foundation to register and request their absentee ballots from abroad. These steps include completing the FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) and returning the voted ballot via mail or other acceptable courier services.

How do I register to vote from abroad?

To register to vote from abroad, visit the US Vote’s Register to Vote / Ballot Request page or select it from the menu, enter your information, download, print, and sign the completed form, then send it to the local election office address provided. Additionally, if your state permits online ballot requests, you may request your ballot online and use the Photo-Sign-Email option provided by US Vote for a convenient submission process. Remember to submit a new registration/ballot request form each year you want to vote from abroad.

What documents do I need to register to vote from abroad?

To fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) you will need:

Your social security number
Your driver’s license or state ID number (if you have one)

Is there a deadline for registering to vote from abroad?

Yes, the deadline to register to vote from abroad is the same as all other voter registration deadlines in your state. It’s important to submit your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) early, preferably at the beginning of the calendar year or at least 45 days before an election, to allow ample time for processing and to ensure you can participate in all elections for that year.

How can I update my voter registration information if I move while living abroad?

To update your voter registration information after moving abroad, submit a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) with your new address and information. This will ensure you receive your absentee ballot for all elections going forward.

Am I still eligible to vote from abroad if I have dual citizenship?

Yes,as long as you are a US citizen and meet all other voting qualifications, you retain the right to vote in US elections regardless of your dual citizenship status.

What if I plan to return to my home country before the election? Can I vote in person?

Early voting periods in the US are decided by the state. Depending on your travel plans, you may be able to vote early before Election Day. If early voting has not begun before your travels, you may request an absentee ballot be sent to your US address or wherever makes the most sense.Are there any restrictions on who can vote from abroad, such as length of time living abroad?
No, there are no restrictions on who can vote from abroad based on the length of time living abroad. As long as you are a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older who meets all other voting requirements, you can exercise your right to vote from anywhere in the world.

Casting Your Ballot

Will I receive my ballot electronically or by mail?

Whether you will receive your ballot electronically or by mail depends on the procedures of your state. The vast majority of states and situations will provide physical ballots that will be sent via mail. Only a handful of states will send ballots electronically. You can contact your local elections office for information on when and how you will receive your ballot.What if I haven’t received my ballot 30 days before an election?

If you haven’t received your ballot by this time, and have previously requested your ballot, contact your local elections office. They will likely have you use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) to vote.

How should I return my absentee ballot?

Every state accepts voted ballots by post, and some also accept them electronically. It’s important to check your state’s guidelines regarding ballot submission. While some states accept electronic submission, it’s recommended to use postal delivery whenever possible to ensure security and integrity.

Can I track the status of my absentee ballot?

Yes, nearly every state offers tools for voters to track the status of their absentee ballots. You can typically find these tools on your state’s official election website or through your local election office. If your state does not have an absentee ballot tracking service, you can contact your local elections office. Tracking your absentee ballot allows you to ensure that it has been received and processed, providing peace of mind during the voting process. Additionally, if there are any issues when tracking your ballot, we recommend that you contact your local elections office as soon as possible.

What if I don't receive my ballot in time to vote?

If your ballot doesn’t arrive 30 days before an election, complete a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance or use the FVAP website to fill out the FWAB online. Sign and send it to your local election officials. If your regular ballot arrives after completing your FWAB, submit it too just to be safe. Your FWAB will only count if your regular ballot doesn’t reach officials by the state’s deadline, ensuring your vote is counted.

What resources does my university offer to help me cast my ballot?

Many universities have resources and support systems in place to assist students in navigating the voting process from abroad. These resources may include guidance on voter registration, absentee ballot requests, and information sessions on voting rights for students living overseas. Contact your study abroad office or student life office to see what might be available to you.

What should I do if I have questions or encounter issues while voting from abroad?

If you have questions or encounter issues while voting from abroad, you can reach out to the voting assistance officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Additionally, you can visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website for guidance and resources. For comprehensive information and assistance with overseas voting, you can visit the US Vote or Overseas Vote websites. If you have state-specific inquiries or concerns, it’s best to contact your state’s election office directly.

What resources are available to help me understand the voting process from abroad?

Several resources are available to help you understand the voting process from abroad. You can visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website or US Vote/Overseas Vote for comprehensive information and guides tailored to U.S. citizens living abroad. Additionally, you can contact the voting assistance officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for guidance. State election offices also provide specific information and resources for overseas voters. Finally, joining online forums or communities dedicated to overseas voting can offer valuable insights and support from fellow overseas voters.

Will I be able to vote in local elections while living abroad?

It depends on your state – some states will include all elections, and some states will only allow you to vote for federal offices. It is best to contact your local or state elections office directly (via email or phone) to find out what your state’s policy is.

What if I am a voter who is traveling abroad for a short period of time during the Election?

Your process of voting may look a little different than what we outline above for voters who are permanently living abroad. It really depends on how long and when you are traveling abroad. Some states open up their early voting as early as 45 days before the election, so you may be able to go to your local elections office and cast your ballot before leaving to travel. If this is not the case for you, contact your local elections office to see what your other options (such as receiving an absentee ballot to your home address before leaving to travel) are.