October 2019 

What is a voting residence and why 

is it important?

Your voting residence is within your state of legal 

residence or domicile. It is the true, fixed address that 

you consider your permanent home and where you 

had a physical presence. Your state of legal residence 

is used for state income tax purposes, and determines 

eligibility to vote for federal and state elections and 

qualification for in-state tuition rates.

State of legal residence and voting residence is 

sometimes mistaken for home of record. While your 

voting residence may be the same as your home of 

record at the beginning of your military career, if you 

change your legal residence or domicile at any point 

you also need to update your voting residence.

To claim a new legal residence or domicile, consult 

your legal counsel or military legal assistance office, 

as there may be other factors to consider, such as 

tax implications.

Maintain current 

contact info.

Your election office needs your 

current contact information to 

reach you come election time. 

The most efficient way is to 

complete a Federal Post Card 

Application (FPCA) annually, 

with every change of address 

and at least 90 days prior to 

the election you want to vote 

in. That way your election office 

knows you want to register in 

that state, how to reach you, and 

most importantly, where to send 

your ballot!

Wherever U.S. citizens go, 

FVAP ensures their voices are heard. 

The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure 

Service members, their eligible family members and overseas 

citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and 

resources to successfully do so – from anywhere in the world.

Voting Residence

Uniformed Service Members and 

Their Eligible Family Members
October 2019

Military

Service Members

You may only have one legal voting residence 

at a time.

Your voting residence should be within the state 

listed on your Leave and Earnings Statement which 

defines your state for withholding state taxes.

Voting residence is often confused with home of 

record. Your home of record is the place you lived 

when you entered the military and should not 

change while you are on active duty. Your voting 

residence may be the same as your home of record 

but needs to be updated if and when you decide to 

establish a new state of legal residence.

Your state of legal residence is not automatically 

changed when you are assigned to a new duty 

location. It may be changed with your approval 

by submitting the appropriate paperwork to your 

finance officer. However, you should first consult 

legal counsel.

You have the option to establish residency or 

domicile each time you are transferred to a 

new location. Once you change your residence 

or domicile, you may not revert to a previous 

residence without re-establishing a new physical 

presence according to residency laws of that state.

You can’t vote in person at embassies, consulates, 

or military installations. The online assistant at 

FVAP.gov or your Voting Assistance Officer can 

help you complete the necessary absentee voting 

forms found at FVAP.gov and provide additional 

information.

Spouses and

Eligible Family Members

The amendment made on Dec. 31, 

2018 to the Military Spouse Residency 

Relief Act (MSRRA) allows you to retain 

the same residence or domicile that 

your Service member has established, 

even if you have not physically been 

present at that address. If you choose, 

you may instead elect to retain your 

established residency or domicile (if 

different from your sponsor).

MSRRA still does not permit you to 

choose any state; you or your service 

member must have established 

residency in a state. Ways to do this 

may include voting, paying taxes, 

owning property, holding a driver’s 

license, and registering a vehicle. 

Residency requirements vary by state. 

Please consult legal counsel to discuss 

tax implications and other effects of 

MSRRA. As a military spouse, you can:

1) Retain your sponsor’s or Service 

member’s residency or domicile.

2) Keep your current, established 

residency or domicile.

3) Take the appropriate steps to 

establish a new residency or domicile.

Some children turn 18 while their family 

is stationed overseas. To vote, they 

should use the last U.S. address they 

had before departing to the current 

duty station.

FVAP.gov 800-438-VOTE (8683) vote@fvap.gov

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Monday-Friday. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET | Go to FVAP.gov and click on “contact” to find where to send your election materials. Media inquiries: media@fvap.gov

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