VOTING FROM ABROAD

The Federal Voting Assistance Program works to ensure that Americans abroad have the tools and resources to successfully vote from anywhere in the world. If you will be residing outside the US on Election Day, you can register as an overseas citizen and request an absentee ballot. 

Visit https://www.fvap.gov/ and select the state where your US voting address is located for complete instructions. 

For more details you can also visit:

• https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/abroad/legal-matters/benefits/voting.html 

• https://fr.usembassy.gov/services/voting/ 

STEP 1 — REGISTER AND REQUEST 

Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register as an overseas voter and request your absentee ballot. Complete this step even if you are already registered to vote:

• • • Complete and sign the FPCA using your state's instructions. Find your state's instructions here. The FVAP automated assistant will be able to guide you through the whole process.

    • Each state sets its own deadlines for registering as an overseas citizen and requesting an absentee ballot. Please be sure send your voting materials early enough!

    • Your current mailing address (block 8) must be outside the US. If you haven’t yet found housing in France and the registration deadline is approaching, you can request to receive your ballot by email and put the Commission’s address (9, rue Chardin 75016 Paris).

    • Fold and seal your FPCA. If using the online FPCA, print, sign and put it in an envelope. 

    • Address and mail the FPCA to your local election official. Be sure to include your return address, and affix postage if using a foreign postal service.

STEP 2 — RECEIVE BALLOT

Your local election office will then mail you the ballot. Most states give the option to receive your ballot by e-mail.

If you have not received a ballot from your State at least 30 days before the election, you may be eligible to vote using the emergency Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). The FWAB is a write-in backup ballot that can be completed for any Federal election. The backup FWAB can be easily completed by using the FWAB online assistant.

STEP 3 — RETURN BALLOT

Send the ballot back to your local voting office (rules differ depending on state) – please follow your state’s instructions.

STEP 4 — CHECK STATUS OF BALLOT

Each state offers absentee ballot tracking to ensure that your vote was received. Visit your state’s page on https://www.fvap.gov/ and click on “Check the status of my Voted Ballot.”

Questions?

US Embassy American Citizen Services – Voting Assistance: VoteParis@state.gov  

Federal Voting Assistance Program: vote@fvap.gov 

See the FAQ in the footer below.