Most States require you to register to vote to start the absentee voting process. U.S. citizens living abroad should use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to both register to vote and request their absentee ballots via the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). We encourage you to use the FVAP Online Assistant to submit your FPCA. Voters should send in a new FPCA every year and after moving to a new address.
The Basics
Absentee voting is a simple two-step process:
- Register and request your ballot at FVAP.gov
- Fill out and send your ballot after you receive it.
Voters are encouraged to submit a completed Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to their local U.S. election officials every year and when they move. This can be done with the FVAP Online Assistant, or you can download the FPCA and send it via post. The FPCA will:
► Confirm your eligibility to vote and put your name on a list to receive absentee ballots for any elections held that calendar year.
► Send you a blank absentee ballot electronically or by mail.
Complete and return the ballot so it arrives before your state’s ballot return deadline. If you have not received your blank ballot 30 days before an election, use the emergency Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) to vote.
Most states now have voter registration verification websites. Many offer a way to track the status of your registration and ballot. In general, if you requested electronic delivery of your blank ballot, you will receive it 45 days before general and midterm elections, and 30 days before special, primary, and run-off elections for federal offices.
Federal Voting Assistance Program
FVAP provides voting assistance for Service members, their families, and American citizens living abroad. Use the Online Assistant to register to vote before the next election.
Helpful Information
Find state-specific voting information, overseas and party-specific information as well as other federal, state and local government websites that might be of interest.
Voter Registration
One of the most important rights of American citizens is the right to vote. Voter registration deadlines vary by state. Once you register, you can vote in national, state, and local elections.
Federal Post Card Application
The FPCA acts as both a registration and absentee ballot request form. We encourage overseas citizen voters to submit a new FPCA every year and when they move.
Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot
This ballot is for use in general elections for uniformed services voters and overseas voters who have made timely application for their respective state’s absentee ballot, but have not received it.
Election Deadlines
Stay up to date with your state’s deadlines for registration and casting your ballot. Check with FVAP and consider downloading your state’s details to your device and calendar.
Republicans Abroad Norway 