It is a right for American citizens living abroad to take part in U.S. elections to stay involved with policies that impact their lives. Whether you're an American studying abroad, working overseas or a long-term expat, you can vote in the upcoming U.S. elections – but the deadlines are approaching.
In fact, nearly 3 million U.S. citizens living abroad are eligible to vote each year, according to The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). FVAP works to ensure that overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so - from anywhere in the world.
Just like you, these individuals (and all other voters protected under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) can participate in U.S. elections. UOCAVA extends federal absentee voting rights to Service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens.
The U.S. government has streamlined the voter registration process for those overseas. Here's how American citizens abroad can register to vote in the 2024 elections.
By now you've likely registered and requested an absentee ballot with the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which ensures that your state will send your ballot to you at least 45 days before the election — a protection not guaranteed when using other absentee voting forms. Once your ballot arrives you should complete, sign, and send it back to your local election office right away. You can easily find your local election office address or contact information using FVAP's election office search tool.
As you prepare to vote, the Voter Assistance Guide will help you determine election deadlines for your home state. Once you send your absentee ballot, you can check its status and make sure your local election office received it by searching for your state here.
What if I've already registered and requested an absentee ballot, but it hasn't arrived?
If you requested your ballot but haven't received it, contact your election office to ask about the status of your ballot request.
If there isn't enough time to receive and send back your ballot before the election, use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). It works like a backup ballot. You'll complete the form online, print, sign, and then send it to your local election office. Whether it's your regular absentee ballot or the FWAB, many states allow voted ballot to be submitted via mail, fax, and even email. In fact, more than half of U.S. states have either a fax or email option, and sometimes both.
If your official absentee ballot arrives after sending in the FWAB, fill out and send in the official ballot too. Only one will be counted.
Requested your absentee ballot but haven't received it?
Fill out and send in the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup ballot. Visit https://www.fvap.gov/fwab-privacy-notice.
You have options for sending in your ballot or FWAB. Your state has specific instructions when you submit by fax or email. Visit FVAP.gov/guide for complete state submission guidelines.
Not sure where you are in the voting process? Still need to request your ballot? Check election dates, deadlines, and submission methods for your state. See your state's requirements at FVAP.gov/guide.
Not sure of your voting residence?
You need a voting residence to vote by absentee ballot — even if you are only voting for federal offices. Your election office needs your exact voting residence address to determine which offices and candidates you are eligible to vote for — and to send you the appropriate ballot for your voting jurisdiction. Your voting residence is your address in the state in which you were last domiciled, immediately prior to leaving the United States.
Pro Tip to Determine Your Voting State: Use the address where you lived before moving overseas. Learn more about your voting residence at https://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter/voting-residence.
Worried you'll forget a voting deadline? You can download your state's calendar alerts to stay on top of important registration, request, and voting deadlines here. Simply click on your state to download Google calendar alerts on your desktop or phone, and you'll be notified when a deadline is 2 days away.
Get started today! Visit https://www.fvap.gov/overseas. Voting from outside the United States is a simple process if you follow the instructions and meet the deadlines. By sending in your absentee ballot or filling out the FWAB, you can ensure your voice is heard. For further guidance, visit FVAP.gov or reach out to your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Remember – no matter where you are, you can vote! If you're a U.S. citizen living abroad, you can have your voice heard in upcoming elections by voting.
