Voting Absentee While Abroad: 3 Essential Things to Know

In 2024, it's more important than ever to make your voice heard by voting in local, state, and general elections. Voter apathy has become widespread around the world, and trying to navigate all the rules of voting (and possibly registering) while abroad can seem super stressful. Enough to just avoid the whole thing in general, right? After all, how much could your one vote really matter?...

a person placing a ballot in a brown envelope into a ballot box

Don’t let voter apathy get the best of you.

Well, if the millions of people who all live abroad didn’t vote, that has the power to change election results entirely. Good thing it’s not actually that hard! We’re here to help guide you through this process of how to vote while abroad, and remind you that your vote definitely DOES matter!

So...can expats vote?

Yes! Citizens above the relevant age requirement are eligible to vote, regardless of current country of residence. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been living abroad for, if you have a current address at home, or if you’ve never voted before.

U.S. Citizen living abroad? Request your absentee ballot to vote in 2024

Can I register to vote abroad?

person holding out a red and blue “i voted” sticker on their finger

It’s not as complicated as you might think.

Most countries allow registering to vote while abroad. Check with your country’s online voting resource (for the US it’s the Department of State’s website) to learn more about specific requirements. It usually requires downloading and submitting a voter registration form, and most of the time it’ll also include an absentee ballot request.

While registering to vote, you will most likely need to use the last address where you lived in your home country. This isn’t the address where you'll receive your absentee ballot, it just determines your voting district.

Many countries require voters to be registered at least a month before election day, so be sure to check these rules for your country.

READ: How to Be An Expat

How does absentee voting work?

In the US, anyone who is eligible to vote can do so through an absentee ballot for primary and general elections. Some states also allow absentee voting for state and local elections, so check with your town clerk’s office.

If you’re living abroad for more than a year, you’ll need to submit a new FPCA every year to vote absentee in US elections (see below for more info on this form). Submit your FPCA at least 45 days before an election so there’s plenty of time to process it and resolve any issues.

How to vote while abroad (for Americans)

person using a laptop and looking at their phone

You’ll want to find out if your home state allows you to vote digitally.

There are only a few short steps to being able to cast your ballot! Luckily, some states now allow the entire process to be done digitally, so it’s truly quick and easy.

1. Register to vote and request your absentee ballot

To vote while abroad as an American, you have to register with local election officials in your state of voting residence and request your absentee ballot.

A form called the Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) covers both. Download this from the Department of State’s website or pick up a copy from US embassies and consulates around the world.

Your FPCA can always be mailed in and most states also now allow faxed or emailed copies. If you need help completing or submitting the form, contact the Voting Assistance Office at your nearest US embassy or consulate.

2. Receive and fill in your ballot

Once you request your absentee ballot, you’ll be given instructions on how to fill it out and return it. You can choose between getting a physical ballot mailed to the address provided on your FPCA or downloading a digital ballot, so be sure to follow all directions carefully based on your ballot type.

For November general elections, your state will send your ballot 45 days before. For primary, special, and run-off elections, ballots will usually be sent 30 days before. Depending on your state’s rules and your status abroad, there’s a chance you’ll receive absentee ballots for all elections or shortened ballots for federal elections.

Official absentee voting information can be found through the US Department of State website, so check there if you have any questions!

3. Send in your ballot (and maybe ID)

two mail in ballot envelopes sitting on a table top

Get your ballot mailed before the deadline!

Some states have passed new laws with pretty stringent voter ID requirements. These states now require a photo ID to be mailed with your absentee ballot. To make sure that no surprises ruin your hopes of voting while abroad, check requirements on the Department of State website for the state you plan to vote absentee in.

Once you’re all squared away with ID requirements…SEND. IN. THAT. BALLOT! This can be done via mail or fax, dropped off at any US embassy or consulate, or even submitted electronically for some states.

Congrats, you’ve now voted from abroad!

READ: Mistakes Expats Make That You Can Avoid

What about voting in UK elections from abroad?

Voting from abroad for UK citizens is a similar process as outlined above in the US section, with just a few minor differences:

Register to vote either online through the government’s website or mail in your printed registration.
Apply for a postal vote using the government’s printed application. Anyone who is eligible to vote in the UK can vote through the mail.
Once you receive your ballot in the mail, fill it in and mail it back!

Can Canadians, Australians, and Kiwis vote while abroad?

Of course! These countries allow voting by post for any eligible voters living abroad. You will need to enroll to vote and request your ballot through your government’s website. Here are some helpful links to get you started:

Be sure to carefully check all guidelines for voting while living abroad through your home country. There are actually some official overseas voting locations, so it’s possible you can vote in person even while living abroad, depending on where you reside. Talk to your local embassy or consulate for more info on this!

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Every vote counts—don’t be a part of the silent majority

mural in milwaukee that says “voting rights are human rights”

Let your voice be heard.

If everyone who was eligible to vote actually did, we would have pretty different outcomes of each election. Voting is the simplest thing you can do to get involved in making political changes and helping to set up future generations for success. Don’t let voter apathy hit you while abroad...your vote always matters!