Another election cycle is upon us, and it’s time to cast our ballots. If you’re a new expat or long-term traveler, the thought of voting while abroad is probably kicking your anxiety into high gear. BonVie to the rescue!
Despite a few extra steps, voting while living abroad is a fairly simple process and won’t disrupt your digital nomad life. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at a Bali beach club or navigating the streets of Medellin, casting your vote is easy. Here’s how you can make sure your voice is heard, no matter where your journey takes you.
The first step to voting from abroad is to confirm that your voter registration is up to date. If you haven’t voted recently or have changed your address while abroad, your registration may have lapsed. In order to ensure you’re able to vote in this election cycle, go to your state’s voter registration site and be sure your profile says your registration status is “Active.”
Keep your registration current to ensure you’ll receive election materials on time.
Once you’ve confirmed that your registration is active, the first step is to request your absentee ballot. Every citizen living outside the country must submit a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to ensure they receive a ballot for the elections they’re eligible in that year.
Submit the FPCA as early as possible—preferably at least 45 days before the election. This way, you’ll have ample time to receive, complete, and return your ballot.
Once your local election office has processed your FPCA, you’ll receive your ballot. Voting methods depend on your state’s rules, but most states allow at least one of the following options:
Check your state’s specific requirements and options at FVAP.gov to avoid any last-minute surprises.
Each state sets its own voting deadlines, so be sure to double-check yours. Generally, the following timelines apply:
You can find specific state deadlines and rules by visiting FVAP.gov.
Living abroad can make it tricky to navigate voting rules, but there are dedicated resources for those of us who want to vote from overseas. These organizations and websites provide easy-to-understand guidance and support:
If you don’t receive your ballot in time or are worried about missing deadlines, you can use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup. This is an emergency ballot for U.S. citizens abroad. You can fill it out and send it to your local election office to ensure your vote is counted.
Even though we live abroad, most expats still take an active interest in the policies and elections back home. Though there are a few more steps to voting as an expat, the importance of doing our civic duty can’t be overstated, especially during times like these.
These tips will make casting your vote seamless, whether you’re 500 miles from home or 5,000. Act now to make sure your voice is heard.
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