How to vote in US elections from abroad: Full guide

If you’re a US expat or student living abroad, you can still vote in US elections. You can cast your vote using an absentee ballot, but you’ll need to register in advance.

We’ll take a look at everything you need to know about voting abroad in the USA, including who is eligible to vote in US elections and how to vote from overseas.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents
Can a US citizen living abroad vote in US elections? Voting abroad eligibility How to vote from abroad How to track your ballot When to use an emergency write-in ballot Living abroad? Meet Wise: the world's most international account Voting abroad: FAQs

Can a US citizen living abroad vote in US elections?

If you live abroad but you’re eligible to vote in the US, you can register to vote by mail. You’ll need to fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request an absentee ballot.

Once you’ve registered, you should receive either an electronic or paper ballot. Some states may let you return your completed ballot by email or fax, but you’ll likely need to print your ballot paper to sign it.

If you wish to mail your vote, you’ll also need to pay international postage and ensure you leave enough time for your ballot paper to reach your US election office.

You’ll need to submit the FPCA at least 90 days before election day. You’re also required to resubmit the form every January and whenever you move.¹

Your eligibility and voting methods may depend on your home state. Speak to your election office for more information about voting in the US from overseas.²

Voting abroad eligibility

If you’re a US citizen living abroad, you’re most likely eligible to vote in US elections by absentee ballot.

You’ll need to be 18 years old on or before the date of the election. You’ll also need to register to vote by your state’s voter registration deadline.

Some people can’t vote, including those who have been convicted of a felony or who are currently serving time. These rules vary by state, so make sure to contact your local election office for more information.³

To cast an absentee ballot in a US election, you’ll need to meet key eligibility criteria on the day of the election in question. You must:

• be a US citizen
• be 18 years old
• be absent from your voting residence⁴

Even US citizens who have never lived in the US may be able to send an absentee vote. This depends on where your parents last lived in the US.

If their last address was in a state that allows people who have never lived in the US to vote in elections, you can receive an absentee ballot.¹

Green card holders can’t typically vote in US elections, as voting is restricted to US citizens. That said, some jurisdictions may let non-citizens vote in certain municipal elections. If you obtain US citizenship, you can vote in all US elections.⁵

How to vote from abroad

If you’re living abroad, here’s a step-by-step guide to US voting overseas:

Step 1. Register for your absentee ballot by filling out the FPCA; you can get your form online at FVAP.gov

Step 2. You’ll need to download your form, print it, sign it, and send it to your local election office

Step 3. You should receive your absentee ballot at least 45 days before election day — you can receive your ballot by mail, email, fax, or online download

Step 4. Fill out your ballot and send it back to the address provided; you’ll need to follow your state’s instructions for returning your ballot paper online or by mail

The voting process may vary by state. Make sure to read any information provided by your local election officials, including state deadlines for absentee votes.

If you don’t receive your ballot in time, you may need to fill out an emergency write-in ballot.⁴

How to track your ballot

Speak to your local election office to check the status of your ballot. You should receive your physical ballot paper at least 45 days before election day, but electronic ballots may be available immediately.

Mail ballots can take longer to receive and return, so make sure to leave enough time to cast your vote.¹

When to use an emergency write-in ballot

If you don’t receive your absentee ballot in time, you can use the emergency Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). This allows you to fill out your vote in time for the election.

You may only be eligible for an emergency ballot if you’ve already requested an absentee ballot but it hasn’t arrived. You may also need access to a printer, as you’ll need to physically sign your FWAB before submitting it.¹

Living abroad? Meet Wise: the world's most international account

If you’re not living in the US — or if you simply want a more flexible account you can open from anywhere — check out Wise.

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Wise offers linked multi-currency cards for spending and withdrawals around the world, and all currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate.

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Voting abroad: FAQs

Are you voting from outside the US for the first time? Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.

Which elections can US citizens abroad vote in?

If you’re a US citizen living abroad, you should be able to vote in all elections as usual. However, every state has different rules about eligibility, voter registration, and application requirements.

Look into your state’s rules to check if you can still vote in all local, state, and federal elections.²

What is my “voting residence address”?

Your voting residence is the last address you used in the US before you left the country. This may be your parents’ house if you’re a student living abroad, for example.

You may no longer live in your US home, but it will determine your local election office, including which elections and candidates you are eligible to vote for.

You’ll need to list your voting residence address when you fill out the FPCA for your absentee vote. It must be an address in a US state.¹

What if I was born outside the US?

If you were born outside the US, but you’re a US citizen by birth, you may still be able to vote in US elections. This depends on your state address.

If your parents’ last address in the US was in a state that allows US citizens who have never lived in the country to vote, you can apply for an absentee ballot.

How often do I have to submit an absentee ballot request?

You’ll need to submit the FPCA form every January. This ensures you can vote in all eligible elections that calendar year. You’ll also need to fill out the form if you move.

You’ll need to submit the FPCA form at least 90 days before election day.** **You’ll receive your physical ballot paper at least 45 days before the election, but electronic ballots may arrive immediately.¹

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Voting abroad in the USA is a relatively simple process. You can use an absentee ballot or an emergency write-in ballot to ensure your vote counts while you’re out of the country.

You’ll need to fill out all your paperwork ahead of time — and you’ll need to follow your state’s instructions to successfully cast your vote on time.

To explore your international spending options, check out Wise.

Sources

1. Vote.gov - Voting from outside the US
2. Vote from Abroad - State voting rules for US citizens voting abroad
3. USA.gov - Who can and cannot vote
4. FVAP.gov - How to vote absentee
5. Legal Clarity - Can green card holders vote in the US?

Sources checked 12/23/2025