Information for U.S. Citizens Voting Abroad
Overseas citizens are eligible to participate in presidential and state primary elections, run-off elections and special elections that occur throughout the year, as well as any general elections. You are strongly encouraged to register to vote and request your absentee ballot early!
Important Information About Voting Abroad
Please visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program for overseas absentee voting assistance. It has a wealth of information about absentee voting including: downloadable absentee ballot applications and write-in ballots, state-specific instructions for completing the form, links to state and local officials, and a downloadable emergency ballot to use when requested materials fail to arrive in time.
Basic Absentee Voting Process
- Complete an application form and send it to local election officials in the U.S.
- The local official approves your request or contacts you for further information.
- The local official sends you an absentee ballot.
Register to Vote and Request an Absentee Ballot
You may fill out the paper form available at American Citizen Services (ACS), or download the Federal Post Card Application (PDF 321KB). Fill it out and send it in, following the guidelines for your state. Use the Postage-Paid envelope template when sending election materials back to the U.S. The Embassy can forward your absentee voting materials and completed ballots to the U.S. through the diplomatic pouch. You may also put your application in a regular envelope and use international mail service.
What about my state’s requirements?
Each state establishes voting procedures, and so requirements across the country vary. It is important to be aware of your state’s deadlines for registration. Specific information about your state’s procedures is available at Federal Voting Assistance Program.
There may be last minute changes to your state’s voting calendar, procedures or deadlines. When these occur, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) will issue a News Release. To add your name to the distribution list for News Releases, send an e-mail to vote@fvap.ncr.gov.
