Federal Voting Assistance Program - FVAP

Trusted voting resources for military & overseas voters through the U.S. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is a Department of Defense agency that 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. As a Service member or military family stationed away from home or an American citizen living abroad, you can vote absentee. Here's how:

1. Register to vote and request your ballot in one easy step. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and send it to your election office. Select your state in the map to find your deadline to register to vote and request a ballot for the next election. Using the FPCA ensures that your state will send your ballot to you at least 45 days before the election — a protection not guaranteed when using other forms. It’s a good idea to send in a new FPCA every January and each time you move.

2. Fill out and send in your ballot when it arrives. For the general election, you should receive your ballot by early October. Vote and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it. Select your state in the map to find the deadline for your ballot. If you requested your ballot but haven’t received it, contact your election office to ask about the status of your ballot request. If there isn’t enough time to receive and send back your ballot before the election, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). It works like a backup ballot. If your official absentee ballot arrives after sending in the FWAB, fill out and send in the official ballot too. Only one will be counted. You can also pick up a hard-copy version of the FWAB from your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. After you send in your ballot, you can check if it was received by your election office. Select your state in the map to get started. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-438-8683 or email us at [email protected]. Subscribe to our voter alerts at FVAP.gov and find us on Twitter.