Living abroad? How Americans overseas can still vote in the US midterm elections 2026

Americans living or traveling outside the United States can still vote in the 2026 US midterm elections. But only if they meet the eligibility requirements of their state. The process is handled through absentee voting rather than in-person voting for most overseas voters.

The 2026 US midterm general election is scheduled for November 3 this year. With Election Day less than a month away, Americans abroad who have not yet started the process should begin now.

Where Should Americans Abroad Start to Vote

The first step is to go to the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (FVAP). Which the US State Department directs overseas voters to use. FVAP also has an online assistant that guides voters via the absentee-voting process based on their state.


The basic process involves registering with state election officials. And requesting an absentee ballot. The Federal Post Card Application can be used for both (FPCA).

The specific requirements and deadlines and ballot-return options may vary as elections are administered by individual states and territories.

What Is the Federal Post Card Application

The FPCA is the form overseas voters use to register and request an absentee ballot. The State Department says eligible voters should submit an FPCA to their local election officials each year.

Voters should also submit a new FPCA whenever they move or change their address, email address or name.

The voting residence listed on the form is generally the voter's last U.S. address before moving abroad. It is not the same as the voter's current mailing address.

The current government FPCA is Form SF-76. The General Services Administration lists its current revision date as August 2026.

When Should Overseas Voters Submit the FPCA

One of the best approach is to submit the FPCA as early as possible rather than wait until close to Election Day.

As per State Department, voters are to submit the form at the beginning of the calendar year or at least 45 days before an election. But state-specific instructions should be checked through FVAP because election procedures and deadlines can differ.

For the November 3 general election voters who have not yet submitted their FPCA should start the process immediately.

How Will Americans Abroad Receive Their Ballot

After the local election office receives the FPCA, officials determine the voter's eligibility and place eligible voters on the appropriate absentee-ballot list.

The ballot can be sent electronically, by fax or by mail, depending on the voter's state and the option selected or available.

The State Department says states send blank ballots for November elections 45 days before the election. Electronic and mail delivery options can vary by state.

How Do You Return an Overseas Ballot

Once an overseas voter completes the ballot, it must be returned to the appropriate local election officials by the deadline set by the state.

Depending on the state, voters may be able to return ballots by international mail, email, fax or an online system. Some states permit electronic transmission of completed ballots, while others may require a mailed ballot.

While voters can drop off a completed ballot at a US embassy or consulate for transmission to the United States. Voters must check the relevant embassy's instructions, to make sure the ballot is addressed to the appropriate local election officials.

Can You Vote in-Person at a US Embassy/Consulate

No, US embassies and consulates don't serve as polling places for overseas voters.

However, they can provide voting assistance and information. The State Department says voters can use an embassy or consulate to help transmit certain voting materials to the United States.

The exact process for returning a ballot through an embassy or consulate can vary by location. So overseas voters should check the website of the US embassy or consulate serving their country.

What If Your Absentee Ballot Has Not Arrived

Voters who have completed the required steps but still have not received their ballot, the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, or FWAB, can serve as a backup.

The State Department says that if a voter has completed all required steps and still does not have a ballot 30 days before an election, the voter should submit a completed FWAB.

The November 3 election is now within that 30-day period. Overseas voters who have already requested a ballot but have not received it should therefore check their state's instructions and the FVAP guidance immediately.

If the regular absentee ballot arrives after the FWAB has been submitted, the voter should complete and return the regular ballot as well. Only one ballot will be counted.

What If You Have Never Lived in the United States

Some US citizens who have never lived in the United States may still be eligible to vote, depending on state law.

For these voters, the applicable voting residence can generally be connected to the last US residence of their parents or legal guardians. But eligibility and rules can differ among states.

Anyone in this situation should use FVAP's state-specific guidance and not assume the same rules apply nationwide.