Voting from Abroad (UOCAVA) Voting Guide
A task-focused dashboard for registration, deadlines, ID rules, ballot tools, and official election authority links for the 2026 midterms.
Not an official government website. Election laws and deadlines can change. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm legally binding details with the official source links on this page.
Quick actions
Registration sourcefvap.govPolling place sourcefvap.govBallot information sourcefvap.govCandidate information sourcefvap.govVoter Registration
- Online
- Varies by voting residence state; use FVAP and your state election office.Verified official source
- By mail
- Varies by voting residence state; use FVAP and your state election office.Verified official source
- In person
- Not applicable for voters abroad; confirm with FVAP for your situation.Verified official source
- Eligibility
- U.S. citizens covered by UOCAVA, including eligible military voters and citizens living outside the United States.
Election Dates and Ballot Timing
General Election
November 3, 2026
Primary Election
Varies by voting residence state; use FVAP and your state election office.
- Primary
- Varies by voting residence state; use FVAP and your state election office.Verified official source
- General
- November 3, 2026
- Early voting
- Requested UOCAVA ballots are generally transmitted at least 45 days before a federal election; state rules control exact timelines.
- Ballot request
- Varies by voting residence state; use FVAP.Verified official source
- Ballot return
- Varies by voting residence state; use FVAP.Verified official source
How to Vote and ID Rules
Accepted ID guidance
FVAP forms use identifying information required by the voter's voting residence state; requirements vary by state.
Verified official sourceMail voting guidance
Use FVAP to submit the Federal Post Card Application and confirm ballot delivery/return methods for your voting residence state.
Verified official sourceBallot and Candidate Tools
Federal races: UOCAVA voters use their voting residence state. In 2026, eligible federal contests may include U.S. House and U.S. Senate races where that state has a Senate election; there is no presidential election in 2026.Verified official source
Statewide/local races: State and local eligibility depends on the voter's voting residence state and ballot type.Verified official source
Frequently Asked Questions
How do UOCAVA voters register or request a ballot for the 2026 midterms?
Use the Federal Post Card Application through FVAP to register, update your voter information, and request an absentee ballot from your voting residence state. Deadlines and return methods vary by state.
When are ballots sent to voters abroad?
For federal elections, states generally transmit requested UOCAVA ballots at least 45 days before the election. Confirm your exact timeline and return method with FVAP and your voting residence state.
Is there a presidential race in the 2026 midterms?
No. The 2026 midterms do not include a presidential election. Eligible federal contests may include U.S. House races and U.S. Senate races in states with a 2026 Senate election.
Where should overseas and military voters confirm deadlines?
Use FVAP first, then confirm with the election office for your voting residence state. That state controls registration, ballot request, and ballot return deadlines.