Embassy of the United States

Absentee Voting

Voting Assistance

American citizens can obtain voting information and registration assistance at the Embassy during normal hours.  We advise Americans to register to vote as soon as possible before all presidential and general elections.  Many states close voter registration 30 days before a general election.  We remind Americans to not forget the time it takes for voting forms to reach the U.S. by mail.

Voters can register to vote and request an absentee ballot by completing a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) on the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at www.fvap.gov.  You may also pick up a hard copy of the FPCA from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

You should also complete a new Federal Postcard Application if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

FPCAs may be mailed to your local voting officials in the U.S. through the regular international mail or from any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  Some states also accept FPCAs by fax or e-mail.

Voting

Your local voting officials should mail your absentee ballot 30 to 45 days before any general election to your overseas address.  Return your voted ballot as early as possible.  Be aware of your state’s ballot receipt deadline, as well as any postmarking requirements.

Emergency Ballots

The Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) serves as an emergency ballot for voters who registered in time but fail to receive an official ballot from local election officials.  You can access the FWAB using www.fvap.gov as well.

The Consular Section is available to answer questions about absentee voting.  To contact the Consular Section, send an e-mail to consularharare@state.gov.