Absentee Voting Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad

States are no longer required to automatically send absentee ballots to overseas voters. Therefore, it’s important that you complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) each January. Below is a step-by-step guide on how complete the FPCA and ensure that you receive your absentee voter materials in a timely manner.

Absentee Voting Basics

Absentee voting is a simple two step process.

1. Every year, send a completed Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to your local election officials.

• They will confirm your eligibility to vote, and put your name on a list to receive absentee ballots for any elections held that calendar year.
• They will send you a blank absentee ballot electronically or by mail.

2. Complete the ballot and send it back so it arrives before your state's ballot return deadline. Or, if you haven't received your blank ballot 30 days before an election use the emergency Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot to vote.

If you have any questions, you may consult FVAP.gov or ask to speak with a voting officer at your closest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Receiving Your Blank Absentee Ballot

45 days before the November general elections, your state will either send your blank ballot to you electronically, or mail it to the address you provided on your FPCA.

Ballots are generally mailed out only 30 days before primary, special and run-off elections. Depending on your state and your status abroad, you may receive absentee ballots for all elections or abbreviated ballots for elections for federal offices only.

Voting and Returning Your Ballot

Complete your ballot carefully and legibly, and return it to your local election officials before your state’s ballot receipt deadline. Send it back as early as possible.

Overseas voters have a number of options for returning voted ballots:

• Local mail – If you have good mail service to the United States, put your ballot in the mail with appropriate international postage.
• U.S. Embassy Pouch/APO/FPO – You can drop off your ballot request or voted ballot at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for return to the United States, or you can have someone drop it off for you. It must be addressed to your local election officials and have sufficient postage or be in a postage-paid envelope. A postage-paid envelope is available on the FVAP web site.  Contact the voting assistance officer or visit the Embassy website for specific instructions.
• Fax, Email, or Internet - A number of states now allow the electronic return of voted ballots. Consult the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s Voting Assistance Guide for electronic transmission options for your state.
• Express Courier Service - If time is short or local mail is unreliable, you may use professional courier services such as FedEx, DHL, or UPS. Please note that FedEx does not deliver to P.O. boxes.

Using an Emergency Write-in Ballot

If you followed all the right steps but still haven’t received your ballot 30 days before the election, you may wish to complete and submit a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Contact the Voting Assistance Officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for help, or visit FVAP.gov to complete the FWAB using their online wizard. Write in the candidates of your choice, print it, sign it and send it to your local election officials. If your regular absentee ballot arrives later, fill it out and send it back too. Your FWAB will be counted only if your regular ballot doesn’t reach your local election officials by your state’s deadline. Following this procedure will not invalidate your vote or result in two votes being cast.

Voting Eligibility

Almost all U.S. citizens 18 years or older who reside outside the United States are eligible to vote absentee for candidates for federal offices in U.S. primary and general elections. In addition, some states allow overseas citizens to vote for candidates for state and local offices, as well as for state and local referendums. For information regarding your specific state, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s Voting Assistance Guide or the Overseas Vote Foundation website. The Overseas Vote Foundation is a non-partisan voter advocacy organization.

For voting purposes, your state of legal residence is generally the state wherein you resided immediately before leaving the United States, even if you no longer own or rent property or intend to return there in the future. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia specifically allow U.S. citizens who have never resided in the United States to register where a parent would be eligible to vote. Direct your questions about eligibility to your local election officials.

Role of Local Election Officials

All elections in the United States are run at the state and local level. If local election officials have questions about your form, they’ll contact you directly. It’s smart to send in your form early (ideally, at the beginning of the calendar year, or at least forty-five days before the election) to provide time to process your request and resolve any problems. Once approved, your name will be put on a list of voters to receive absentee ballots.

Verifying Your Registration

Most states now have websites where you can verify your registration. If you are unsure of your voter registration status, or want to confirm that local officials have received and approved your registration, check the FVAP website for a directory of state voter registration verification websites. You can also write, email, or call your local election officials directly.

Be an Educated Voter

Check out the FVAP links page for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues you care about.  

Voting and Taxes

Voting for candidates for federal offices does not affect your federal or state tax liability. Voting for candidates for state or local offices may affect your state tax liability. Consult legal counsel if you have questions.  

http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/overseas_voting/overseas_voting_4754.html