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Voting from abroad — US expats guide

How to vote in US elections if living in another country: Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), and deadlines by state.

Voting from abroad — US expats guide

As a US citizen living abroad, you retain your right to vote in federal elections (president, Congress) and, depending on your state of origin, in state and local elections.

The system: FVAP + UOCAVA

UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) is the 1986 federal law guaranteeing voting rights to US citizens abroad. FVAP (Federal Voting Assistance Program) is the Department of Defense program implementing UOCAVA.

Step 1: Register + request ballot — Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)

The FPCA serves as both:

  1. Voter registration application
  2. Absentee ballot request

Must file FPCA every calendar year you want to vote (not permanent registration).

How to file FPCA

  1. Visit vote.gov or fvap.gov
  2. Identify your state of origin (last state where you resided in US — even without physical domicile there now)
  3. Fill out form online or download
  4. Send to local county election office via:
    • Mail: USPS, FedEx, DHL
    • Email: some states accept (FPCA only, not filled ballot)
    • Fax: most states accept
    • Online portal: specific states (AL, AZ, MD, MI, MS, NE, NV, ND, OK, TX)

Step 2: Receive and return your ballot

How you receive the ballot

Once your FPCA is processed, your election office sends the absentee ballot:

  • Email/online (some states) — download PDF + print
  • Postal mail (most) — physical ballot arrives abroad

How to return the ballot

Each state has specific rules. Most require:

  • Return by mail (USPS, FedEx, DHL)
  • No witness signature in most (some do require)

Critical deadline

Ballot must reach your local election office before Election Day in most states.

Deadlines

  • General: FVAP recommends sending FPCA at least 45-60 days before election
  • For presidential elections: send FPCA in January of election year

Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) — emergency ballot

If you didn’t receive your absentee ballot in time (~30 days before election), use FWAB:

  • Universal emergency ballot at fvap.gov
  • Print, write candidates, sign, return
  • Counts only for federal elections (president, Congress)

What about my children born abroad?

If your child is US citizen (CRBA or N-600) and 18+:

  • Can register to vote
  • Voting state: last state where parents voted before child’s birth
  • Same FPCA process

Federal vs primary voting

  • General elections (November every 2-4 years): always vote
  • Primaries (early year): only if registered with party (closed primaries)
  • Caucuses: typically require physical presence — not available from abroad

Official source: FVAP · Vote.gov

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Frequently asked questions

Can US citizens vote from abroad?
Yes. US citizens living abroad can vote in federal elections by absentee ballot through their last US state of residence, under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
How do I register to vote from another country?
Complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) each election year at FVAP.gov; it registers you and requests your absentee ballot at the same time. You send it to your local election office.
What is the FPCA?
The Federal Post Card Application is the standard form overseas voters use to register and request an absentee ballot. Submitting it early each year keeps your registration active and your ballot on the way.
When are the deadlines to vote from abroad?
Deadlines are set by your US state and vary, but submitting the FPCA at least 45 days before an election is the safe rule. Check your state’s exact dates on FVAP.gov.

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.