Your Vote Counts!

How to Vote Absentee from Abroad:

 

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. Some states allow you to return your completed FPCA electronically and others do not (you can check here). If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials by mail, you can do so through international mail (FedEx, DHL, etc.) or through the U.S. Embassy, Dhaka. You can drop off your FPCA (in postage-paid envelope) at the Embassy by scheduling an appointment with us through DhakaACS@state.gov.  Please note it can take up to four weeks for mail to reach its destination if sent through the U.S. Embassy. All overseas U.S. citizens are advised to submit their forms and ballots accordingly.

Check your voter registration deadline for the next election based on your state.

Your voting residence (the U.S. state or territory where you are registering to vote) is likely your legal residence. Here is how to determine your voting residence.

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 is 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. Check the deadline your ballot based on your state.  If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials by mail, you can do so through international mail (FedEx, DHL, etc.) or through the U.S. Embassy, Dhaka by scheduling an appointment with us through DhakaACS@state.gov.  Please note it can take up to four weeks for mail to reach its destination if sent through the U.S. Embassy. All overseas U.S. citizens are advised to submit their forms and ballots accordingly.

If you requested your ballot but have not received it, contact your election office to ask about the status of your ballot request.

If there is not 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.

After you send in your ballot, you can check if it was received by your election office.

Looking for more information?

• Determine your voting residence for registering to vote absentee.
• Never resided in the U.S.? Determine if your state allows U.S. citizens born abroad to vote absentee.
• Get tools for sending forms mail, email or fax — like postage-paid envelopes and cover sheets.

If you have additional questions, or would like further assistance, you may contact the Voting Assistance Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka by calling (2) 5566-2000, or by emailing VoteDhaka@state.gov.