Whether you’re an expat or simply traveling on November 5, you can still cast your ballot.
If you ’ve fled the country to obviate election foolishness , we would n’t charge you . But if you forfeited your right to vote while abroad , tsk tsk . Those aperitivo hour in Rome can only distract you for so long . It ’s important to stay abreast of policy news and uphold your tariff as an American citizen , even as you ’re embracing la dolce vita . The approaching election is a reminder that we ’ve got a mickle of study to do in the next four years , but it ’s pretty coolheaded , at least , that we get to vote no issue where we are in the world . Rick Steveswould believably agree . Here ’s how to vote as an American overseas in the 2024 election .
How to vote early
If you ’re , let ’s say , gearing up for a misstep to Cancun , knowing you ’ll be gone on November 5th , check to see if your state or district allows early , in - person votinghere . Different states have different other voting windows . California , for instance , opens it 29 daytime before the election , while Louisiana opens it 14 days prior . Check your state of matter or local election bureau ’s specific , early - voting hour and rules usingthis tool .
How to vote while overseas
So you ’re a US citizen presently living your right expatriate life , somewhere in Uruguay or New Zealand . you may vote absentee , and to do so , you must nail theFederal Post Card program ( FPCA)online . This allow you to file to vote and bespeak an absentee vote in one whole tone . word of advice : You will call for a printing machine . But if you do n’t have approach to one , you could also foot up an FPCA from the US embassy or consulate in the country in which you currently occupy and return it by mail ( though most states appropriate you to send in your FPCA by facsimile or email ) . When fill out the form , you ’ll need to distinguish yourvoting residence , i.e. your state that deduct your state taxes .
From here , local election officials will sustain your eligibility to vote and put your name on the tilt to obtain an absentee ballot . Then , they ’ll direct you a blank absentee ballot electronically or by mail . Make indisputable to complete and return the ballot so that it arrives before your DoS ’s return deadline . You ’ve got a phone number of way to complete this step : you may return it via local mail ; drop it off at your good US embassy or consulate ( make certain it has sufficient US postage or put it in apostage - paid gasbag ) ; submit it by facsimile , post , or internet if your state allows you to do so , which you may checkhere ; or , if you ’re running low on prison term , employ an express service , like FedEx , DHL or UPS .
If your requested ballot has n’t come in time , i.e. 30 days before the election , there ’s an emergency backup ballot called theFederal Write - In Absentee Ballotthat you could use to vote . If your regular absentee ballot happens to come after you ’ve submitted the FWAB , you should still make out and devolve it . Your FWAB will be enumerate only if your regular voting does not reach local election officials in time .
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To make trusted you ’re always incur ballots while abroad , complete a new FPCA every year , or every clip you move to that nextWFH hot spot .
