Studying abroad in the fall typically promises changing colors, chilly or steamy mornings (depending on your hemisphere), and this year, a midterm election. While being in a different country guarantees a whirlwind of new people, places, and foods each day, you can also make your voice heard back home.

Please note: This post describes how California residents can vote from abroad. Each state has different rules and deadlines. If you’re not a resident of California, check the rules in your state for information on voting from abroad.

Here’s how to vote in US elections while on study abroad.

Step 1: Register to vote

Deadline: Monday, October 19, 2026 is the last day to register to vote online for this November’s general election.

To participate in US elections, you must be registered to vote. If you’re a California resident, see California Voter Registration to start the process—otherwise, register to vote in your state of residence.

Tip: Not sure about your voter registration status? Confirm your registration.

Step 2: Request a ballot

To vote from abroad, you must request a ballot be sent to you. It’s recommended that you do this before you leave the US.

To vote from abroad, you’ll fill out a form called the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which California voters can do online. If you do not wish to complete the request online, you can obtain an FPCA from any US embassy or consulate and return the completed FPCA by mail or fax to the county elections official of the county where you lived prior to departure for study abroad. The FPCA is postage-paid in the US mail; however, you’ll have to add postage if mailing it from abroad (which is why it’s recommended to do this step before you leave the US).

Note: US citizens must submit a new FPCA request each year. So, if you filled it out for past elections, you’ll need to do it again to vote in the upcoming midterm elections.

States typically start sending overseas ballots 45 days before the election date and California starts sending ballots and return envelopes between 60 and 45 days.

US elections are held in the first week of November, so overseas ballots start going in the mail the third week of September. If you send in your ballot request form (the Federal Post Card Application, or FPCA) after ballots have started going out, then your state must send out your ballot within a few days of approving your FPCA form.

3. Vote and send your ballot

Now is the time to exercise your right to vote! Complete the ballot carefully, following the instructions that come with it, and return it as early as possible.

Deadline: Mailed ballots must be postmarked by November 3, 2026, and must reach the local election offices no later than 7 days after the election day (November 10, 2026).

Ideally, you’ll return your ballot as soon as possible after you receive it to ensure it arrives in California in time to be counted.

Frequently Answered Questions

What if I’m already registered to vote? You must register as an overseas voter even if you’re already registered in the US in order to receive a ballot.

What is my current address? List the address abroad where you want your ballot sent. If you don’t have the address before you leave for study abroad, fill it out as soon as you know where you’re living, or select to receive your ballot by email instead.

How else can I send my ballot? California does not allow voters to return a ballot by email; however, you may be able to return your completed ballot by fax. Send it directly to your California county elections official and include the required signed return envelope and Oath of Voter or other county-approved fax cover sheet.

What if I haven’t received a ballot? If your official blank ballot has not arrived in enough time for you to return it by the deadline, complete and submit a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup. California allows eligible overseas voters to use a FWAB for federal, state, and local contests, including ballot measures. If your official ballot arrives later, return it as well; your county will count only one ballot.

What’s the ID Number? Enter your California-issued driver’s license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have neither, write in Section 6: “I do not have a Social Security Number or California-issued ID number.”

Still got questions? Use the state’s My Voter Status tool to find your county elections office, check registration information, and view upcoming election details.