The Master Strategy Guide to Voting Overseas

Election Day is quickly approaching, and if you're overseas, voting may seem like a challenge. However, it's entirely possible! As an American citizen, you have the right to vote in all elections, and we’re here to help ensure your ballot gets submitted.

Service members and their families are eligible to vote from anywhere in the world, thanks to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This law requires states to send requested absentee ballots to UOCAVA voters at least 45 days before a federal election. Those protected by UOCAVA include:

• Members of the Uniformed Services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps)

• Members of the Merchant Marines

• Eligible family members of the above

• U.S. citizens residing outside the U.S.

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure Service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so - from anywhere in the world. The Director of FVAP administers the UOCAVA on behalf of the Secretary of Defense. 

Some of the resources provided by FVAP include:

• Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) Form – This form is used by UOCAVA voters to both register to vote and request an absentee ballot.

• Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) Form – The FWAB serves as a backup ballot to vote for federal offices.

• Voting Assistance Guide (The Guide) –. The Guide includes information on registering and voting in all 55 States, territories, and the District of Columbia, how voters can return their ballots, and what information is required on the FPCA and FWAB forms. Importantly, the Guide also includes contact information for state and local elections offices.

Need help with voter registration or requesting a ballot? Here are some tips:

• Your U.S. voting residence address determines where you're eligible to vote absentee. For military voters, this is usually your last address in your state of legal residence. You don’t need to have current ties to this address. If you can’t receive mail at your current address, be sure to provide a mail forwarding address.

• Under the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act (MSRRA), military spouses can choose the same legal residence as their spouse, even if they’ve never lived at that address. Alternatively, they can retain their separate legal residency.

• U.S. citizens who were born abroad and have never resided in the United States are eligible to vote absentee. This includes military spouses and children over 18 years of age who were born outside of the U.S. Check FVAP for more information, or reach out to your State’s election office.

  • If you need more information on how to become a citizen as a military family member, check the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. 

Secure Families Initiative is dedicated to ensuring military service members and their families have the voting resources they need. Check out their comprehensive voting guide and register to vote today. You can also confirm your registration and check voting deadlines with SFI. Many states have deadlines approaching in October, so make sure you stay on top of those dates!