Voting as an Expat: Casting Your Ballot When Abroad

Voting is an essential civil right. However, your life or career path may take you outside the country for Election Day. U.S. citizens can still vote in federal elections even when they are outside the country. Register to vote abroad and submit an absentee ballot to ensure your vote is counted.

There are overseas voter registration requirements and deadlines. Make sure you register in time to get your ballot. For more information about your right to vote when living abroad, talk to a voting civil rights attorney. 

Can You Still Vote When You Are Overseas?

As a U.S. citizen, you have the right to vote in U.S. elections even when you are outside the country. Federal election voting rights are based on citizenship, not your current address. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) ensures that citizens outside the country can cast absentee ballots in U.S. elections.

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) guarantees your right to vote overseas. This includes voting in general, special, primary, and runoff elections for federal offices. Voting in state elections depends on your local election laws.

How Do You Register to Vote Outside the Country? 

U.S. citizens, military members, and their eligible family members can register to vote by mail, phone, or online. On the official website FVAP.gov, you can register and request a ballot. You can also email [email protected] or call 1-800-438-VOTE for more information. The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) acts as a voter registration form and a request for an absentee ballot.

When you get your ballot in the mail, fill it out and send it in. Some states require you to sign a form or an envelope to affirm your eligibility. Check the voting requirements of your state. Generally, you must complete a new FPCA every year, or anytime you move to ensure you get an absentee ballot.

There are deadlines for registering to vote from abroad and sending in your ballot. The deadlines depend on where you are and how you are voting. Check the FVAP website for deadline information.

What Is Your Voting Residence if You Are Outside the Country?

Voting from abroad requires you to have a voting residence. Your voting residence is based on the state where you were last domiciled. Even if you don’t live there and don’t intend to return to that state, it is still your voting residence when voting abroad.

How Many Expat Voters Are Living Abroad? 

According to an estimate from the FVAP, nearly 5 million U.S. citizens live abroad. Some of these Americans are working or studying temporarily in other countries. Others have moved abroad to live with their partners and families or to retire.

Additionally, more than 150,000 active-duty military servicemembers are stationed worldwide, including countries with a large U.S. military presence, such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

In 2020, some of the countries with the highest rates of American citizen-eligible voters included:

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Israel
• France
• Australia
• Japan

For example, Canada alone had more than 500,000 eligible U.S. voters in 2020. However, just because there were many eligible voters does not mean they all voted. Only about 8% of eligible voters in Canada participated in U.S. elections. Alternatively, Denmark had just over 6,000 eligible absentee voters, but more than 35% participated in U.S. elections.

Can You Vote in Person While Abroad?

If you are registered to vote and will be home before the election deadline, you can wait to vote in person at your local polling place. If you will be abroad on Election Day, you can request your absentee ballot and send it in by mail or electronically. Not all states allow you to submit your ballot online.

Some U.S. embassies allow citizens to drop off their ballots in person. However, this can take longer than sending the ballot by mail. Check your local embassy to see if you can drop off your ballot and the recommended deadlines.

What Can You Do If You Have Problems Voting Abroad?

You should get your absentee ballot at least 30 days before the election. You can use a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) if you never get your ballot. This acts as a backup ballot for eligible voters. If you have other questions about problems with the overseas voting process, speak to an experienced civil rights attorney.