General Information

American citizens residing overseas have a right to vote in all Federal elections (President, Vice President, United States Senator, United States Representative). Depending on the laws of their state of residence, they may also be able to vote in state and local elections.

American citizens residing overseas have a right to vote in all Federal elections (President, Vice President, United States Senator, United States Representative). Depending on the laws of their state of residence, they may also be able to vote in state and local elections.

While American citizens cannot vote at an Embassy or Consulate overseas, Consular Sections stand ready to assist voters in obtaining information about their states' voting procedures as well as requesting an absentee ballot and mailing the ballot so that the vote is counted. The American Citizen Services Unit can place properly packaged, addressed and stamped (with U.S. domestic postage) tax returns and absentee ballots in the U.S. Postal System mail. Unfortunately, we cannot sell stamps, weigh items, provide receipts, or mail any other items.

As the voting procedure involves mailing both ways, overseas voters must apply early to vote by absentee ballot. Complete information can also be found at the Federal Voting Assistance Program.