Absentee Voting for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

Absentee voting is controlled by each state separately; therefore, you should pay close attention to your state’s local regulations.  For state-specific instructions on absentee voting, see the following link:

http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag.html#ch3

Note especially deadlines for submission of your absentee request and of the ballot.

Steps for Absentee Voting
In general, the following are the steps to vote by absentee ballot:

1. Begin by filling out the Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.pdf
2. Then submit the form to the office for your locality.  Addresses are available for each state; see Section IV of each State Registration Guide (“Where To Send It”) for a list of addresses.
   http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag.html#ch3
3. Your local election official will mail your absentee ballot to the requested address.
4. Your return the absentee ballot in the envelope provided with the absentee ballot.  Your ballot must be postmarked by your state-specific deadline.
5. Your state may offer online, email, or fax registration or voting; see your state guidelines (above) for instructions.

Resources for assistance with absentee voting:

International Educators Association:
http://www.nafsa.org/public_policy.sec/grassroots_advocacy/absentee_ballot_procedures

Federal Voting Assistance Program
For Military and Overseas citizens
http://www.fvap.gov/