| Overseas Vote

As a U.S. citizen born abroad - can I vote?

The voting rights of U.S. citizens born abroad to at least one American parent depend on a few factors. The determination is based on the state where your American parent was resident and votes. The best scenario is that you were born to at least one U.S. citizen parent who had established residency and then moved from one of the 38 U.S. states or the District of Columbia that allow voting for their children born abroad.

Overseas Voter Registration - how does it work, how do I do it?

The overseas voter registration process consists of completing a form (the FPCA) and submitting it to your election office. Our website will assist you to sign and submit the form online in one quick session. The FPCA has a dual purpose. It is simultaneously an overseas voter registration form AND an overseas absentee ballot request. You will only need to complete and submit this one form each calendar that you wish to vote from abroad, or as a military voter.

Can dual citizens vote from abroad in US elections?

Many US citizens also hold citizenship with another country. If you are one of these dual citizenship holders, you may be wondering if you can vote in US elections? The answer is yes. Dual citizens can also vote within the US or from abroad.

What state do I vote in if I live abroad?

As much as you might wish, you cannot "choose" which state you send your ballot back to when you vote from abroad, that is not how the overseas voting program works. The state you vote in is the state where you were last a resident, and that is considered the last state and county you lived in before you left. That is what determines your "voting residence address". It is the place you actually lived, made a home and intended to stay (until you left!).

I have another question. Who can I ask?

U.S. Vote Foundation and our Overseas Vote initiative are very proud of our Voter Help Desk, which, every election year for the past two decades, has helped thousands of US citizens register to vote and request their overseas absentee ballots.

When you're away from home, traveling, living, working, or serving your country - you could have any number of situations and circumstances that seem like they complicate your voting situation. You are not alone!

How can I register and vote from overseas?

As an overseas or military voter, you will be able to take advantage of many online services from online voter registration and ballot request, to online ballot receipt and ballot tracking. The process has been reformed and streamlined over the past 15 years and is now one of the most modern voting programs in the United States.

How often and when do I need to apply for my overseas absentee ballot?

You can submit your overseas Registration/Ballot Request form (FPCA) at any time during the calendar year of the election. In other words, you can apply on or after January 1, 2024 to vote in the 2024 general election or any primary, special, or runoff election scheduled for 2024.

What’s the difference between a “voter abroad,” an “overseas voter,” and a “uniformed absentee voter”?

“Voter abroad” and “overseas voter” are both terms that refer to U.S. citizens who vote from outside the United States They are essentially used interchangeably.

Does it really matter which form I use to register and apply for my absentee ballot from overseas?

Believe it or not, it matters a lot which form you use to register and apply for your overseas absentee ballot.

The form, historically called the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which you can access on the U.S. Vote Foundation website, entitles you to specific protections and special benefits as an overseas voter.

What protections do I have as an overseas voter or military voter?

The overseas voting program is defined and protected by a federal law called the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA)

This voting law is applicable to all states and territories. If you use the federal official form, historically called the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), to register and request your overseas or military absentee ballot, you will benefit from UOCAVA voting rights, along with all of the features and benefits inherent in the program.

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