Living Abroad

Voting From Abroad as a US Citizen: FPCA, Deadlines and the Emergency Ballot

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. The four steps
  3. How can you return your ballot?
  4. What is the FWAB?
  5. Does voting affect your taxes?
  6. Common mistakes
  7. FAQ
    1. Can I vote for state and local offices?
    2. Are UK citizens abroad treated the same?
    3. Where do I find the form?
  8. Key takeaways
  9. Related guides
  10. Sources

How do US citizens vote from abroad? The State Department says most US citizens aged 18 or older living abroad can vote absentee for federal candidates in primary and general elections. The key step is to submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) each year. The form registers you with your state and requests an absentee ballot.

Quick answer

  • Submit an FPCA at the start of the calendar year or at least 45 days before an election.
  • Submit a new FPCA when you move or change your address, email or name.
  • Verify your registration with your local election officials.
  • Your blank ballot is usually sent 45 days before November elections, and about 30 days before primary, special and runoff elections.
  • If your ballot has not arrived 30 days before an election, use the emergency Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB).

The four steps

  1. Submit the FPCA. You can get the form and your state’s requirements from US embassies and consulates, or from some overseas US citizen groups.
  2. Verify your registration with your local election officials.
  3. Receive your blank ballot. Your state sends it by email, fax, mail or online download, depending on the address on your FPCA.
  4. Complete and return it to local election officials before your state’s deadline.

How can you return your ballot?

Option What the State Department says
Local mail Use a reliable mail service to the US with appropriate international postage
US embassy or consulate Drop off your FPCA or completed ballot, addressed to your local election officials, with enough US postage or in a postage-paid envelope from the FVAP website
Fax, email or internet Only in some states. Check the Voting Assistance Guide
Express courier FedEx, DHL or UPS can help when time is short, but they do not deliver to P.O. boxes

What is the FWAB?

If you have completed all the required steps and still lack your ballot 30 days before an election, complete a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot, print and sign it, and send it to your local election officials. If your regular ballot arrives later, return it too. Only one ballot is counted, and the FWAB counts only if your regular ballot does not reach officials by the state deadline.

Does voting affect your taxes?

The State Department says voting for federal candidates does not affect your federal or state tax liability. Voting for state or local candidates could affect your state tax liability. For the wider tax picture see expat tax for US citizens abroad.

Common mistakes

  • Submitting the FPCA only once. It is submitted each year.
  • Not updating after a move or change of email.
  • Using a P.O. box for a courier. Carriers do not deliver to P.O. boxes.
  • Waiting too long. Allow for slow international mail.

FAQ

Can I vote for state and local offices?

Some states allow it. Check the FVAP Voting Assistance Guide for your state.

Are UK citizens abroad treated the same?

No. Read our guide to voting from abroad as a British citizen.

Where do I find the form?

From US embassies and consulates, or some overseas US citizen groups.

Key takeaways

  • File an FPCA every year, at least 45 days before an election.
  • Verify your registration and watch for your ballot.
  • Use the FWAB if your ballot is late.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ by state, so check the FVAP and your state election officials.

Sources

  • US Department of State: Voting from Abroad

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