Message for U.S. Citizens – Absentee Voting Information for U.S. Citizens Abroad (July 28, 2026)
To vote from abroad, begin at the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website. An online assistant will guide you through the process. Visit FVAP.gov to find more information.
U.S. voting eligibility
Most U.S. citizens aged 18 or older living abroad can vote absentee. This applies to federal office candidates in U.S. primary and general elections. Some states also allow U.S. citizens living abroad to vote for local and state office candidates, and on referendums.
For information about your state, visit the Voting Assistance Guide.
Process to vote abroad
- Register and request an absentee ballot
You must be registered with your state’s election officials to request and receive an absentee ballot. You can use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to both register with your state and request an absentee ballot.
- You should submit a new FPCA each year, every time you move, or whenever you change your address, email, or name.
- You can get an FPCA and your state’s requirements from U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. You can also find them at many overseas U.S. citizen civic or political groups.
- You can return your FPCA by mail. Most states allow you to send in your FPCA by fax or email.
Consult the online Voting Assistance Guide for your state’s current instructions. For help with the form, contact the voting assistance officer at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
2. Verify your voter registration
Please write, email, or call local election officials directly.
3. Receive your blank absentee ballot
Your state will send you a blank ballot 45 days before the November elections. You will get it by email, fax, mail or online download based on the address on your FPCA.
Ballots usually go out 30 days before primary, special, and run-off elections. You might get absentee ballots for all elections or just for federal offices. This depends on your state and your status abroad.
4. Vote and return your ballot
Complete your ballot with precision, ensuring it is legible, and submit it well in advance. Make sure to return it to local election officials in time to meet your state’s deadline.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Madrid, Spain
+34-915-872-200
Contact Madrid
U.S. Consulate General Barcelona, Spain
+34-932-802-227
Contact Barcelona
State Department – Consular Affairs
+1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
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