Press Releases - Voting from Abroad

Released: Thursday, February 14, 2008

In this election year, don't be left out of the process just because you will be studying abroad! If you are planning on going abroad this fall, make sure to request an Absentee Ballot well in advance! Here's the process:

1. Register to vote if you are not already registered.
2. Complete and mail the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) Form (SF-76) at least 60 days before the election. If you are registering to vote at the same time, you will need to send it in even earlier.
3. Your local election official will approve the registration request or will request further information
4. Your absentee ballot will be mailed to you, usually 30-45 days before the election.
5. You vote and mail the absentee ballot to the local election official in time to meet state deadlines

In order to use the FPCA you must be a U.S. citizen and 18 years of age or older.

Here are some useful links:

FPCA Form: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.pdf

FPCA Instructions: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/appendix_f.pdf

State by State Absentee Registration and Voting Procedures: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag.html#ch3

Absentee Voting FAQ: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/faq.htm