Updated May 2024

Studying abroad in the fall typically promises changing colors, chilly or steamy mornings (depending on your hemisphere), and this year—a presidential 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.

Voting on the US head of state WHILE on one of the biggest adventures of your life may seem daunting—we get it. It’s also a crucial chance to share your opinion on the next administration, and it only comes every four years.

Tip: Every state has different rules and deadlines. Not a California resident? Check your state now.

Here are a few easy steps to voting while abroad.

1. Register to vote

Deadline to register to vote: October 21, 2024

To vote 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.

Once you send your application, you can verify your voter registration status with your local elections office.

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

2. Request a ballot

Deadline to request a ballot: October 29, 2024

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 get your ballot while you’re abroad, you’ll need to fill out a form called the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which California voters can do online. If you’re already registered as a California voter, filling out this form lets the local election office (the people responsible for sending you your ballot) know that you will be abroad.

Overseas voters receive their ballots 45 days before the election, and there’s not enough time to return the ballot by mail and have it counted.

Good news! There’s ways around this issue and the vagaries of international postal systems.

Votefromabroad.org recommends that you receive your ballot by email.

Some things to know:

  • Even if you already received your ballot to vote by mail, you’ll have to submit a request to vote from abroad using the FPCA.
  • Even if you don’t know the address of your accommodations before you leave, no problem. Nothing will be mailed to you if you receive your ballot by email.

Tip: US citizens abroad must submit a new application each year, so even if you filled out an FPCA for past elections, you’ll have to do it again to vote in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Rock the vote from anywhere in the world

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.

Local election offices must receive ballots from California voters no later than 7 days after the election (November 12, 2024).

For deadlines in other states, visit this Voting Assistance Guide.

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.

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 on study abroad, fill it out as soon as you know where you’re living, or select to receive your ballot by email instead.

Should I use the email option to be sent a blank ballot? If this is available, use it! It’s faster and more convenient.

What if I have to mail my ballot? If your state requires a postal return, and you’re in a location with unreliable postal service, the embassy pouch is sometimes the only method available. It can take 3-4 weeks to get the ballot back to your state of residence, so you must get it to the embassy as soon as possible. If affordable, ballots can also be sent by international courier (DHL, FedEx, etc.).

How else can I send my ballot? If your state accepts ballots by fax, you can also use this email to fax service provided by the Federal Voting Assistance Program.

What if I haven’t received a ballot? If you haven’t received a blank ballot 30 days before the election, use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot.

What’s the ID Number? It can be your state driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Still got questions?

Submit a question to the Vote from Abroad Helpdesk, or schedule an assistance appointment with Zoom the Vote.

 

In case you were not aware, you can vote in the upcoming US election from abroad! Awesome, right? Here are a few simple steps to register and vote.
In case you were not aware, you can vote in the upcoming US election from abroad! Awesome, right? Here are a few simple steps to register and vote.
In case you were not aware, you can vote in the upcoming US election from abroad! Awesome, right? Here are a few simple steps to register and vote.
In case you were not aware, you can vote in the upcoming US election from abroad! Awesome, right? Here are a few simple steps to register and vote.
Karis Kotschnig profile picture

Study Abroad Program: University of Edinburgh
Program Location: Edinburgh, UK-Scotland
Other Countries Visited: Yet to be seen!
Home University: UC Santa Barbara
Major: Communications
Year: 2024

Karis always imagined herself wandering cobblestoned streets and the green hills of Scotland. She’s thrilled to be studying abroad in fall 2024. While she’ll miss the sun of Santa Barbara, she’s eager to indulge in her favorite pastime of café hopping amidst Scotland’s rainy weather. Leading up to study abroad, Karis has been researching destinations to explore, curating a winter wardrobe, and carefully selecting the perfect journal in which to recount her adventures. She’s excited to broaden her horizons, forge connections from around the world, and embrace spontaneity—all of which she will carry with her long after returning home.