5 min read / reviewed 2026-04-23
Voting from Abroad or While Serving in the Military
A UOCAVA-focused guide for overseas citizens, military voters, and eligible family members.
Best for
U.S. citizens abroad, active duty military voters, and eligible family members.
Key takeaways
- Start with the Federal Voting Assistance Program.
- Your voting residence usually determines your ballot.
- Return methods and deadlines vary by state.
Use FVAP as the central starting point
The Federal Voting Assistance Program provides tools for overseas citizens, military voters, and eligible family members. It helps voters complete the Federal Post Card Application and review state-specific rules.
Your voting residence is usually the state and locality where you last lived before leaving the United States, but individual situations can be more complex. Use FVAP and your local election office for official guidance.
Request early and track everything
Overseas voting has more delivery risk than local voting. Request your ballot early, save confirmation records, and check whether electronic delivery or return is available for your state and voter category.
If your ballot does not arrive, FVAP provides guidance on backup options such as the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot.
Confirm return rules for your state
Some states allow electronic return for certain voters, while others require postal mail. Deadlines may also depend on whether the ballot is received by Election Day or postmarked by Election Day.