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.

What is my voting residence

and why is it important? 

For the purposes of voting, your residence is in the state 

or territory where you last resided, immediately before 

leaving the United States. It is the true, fixed address that 

you considered your permanent home and where you had a 

physical presence. 

This residence may remain valid even if:

• You no longer own property or have other ties to

that state.

• Your intent to return to that state is uncertain.

• Your previous address is no longer a recognized 

residential address.

You need a voting residence to vote via absentee ballot —

even if you are only voting for federal offices. Your election 

office needs your exact voting residence address to send you 

the correct ballot for your voting precinct. 

As a Federal employee, you need to be aware that some political activities are off limits under the Hatch Act. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel provides specific 

guidance regarding permitted and prohibited activities at https://osc.gov/pages/hatchact.aspx. It includes activities while on and off duty, as well as guidance on 

social media usage and frequently asked questions. For more information, contact the U.S. Office of Special Counsel at (202) 254-3650 or hatchact@osc.gov.

Voting in an election for federal offices often may not be used as the sole basis for determining residency for the purpose of imposing state and local taxes. When 

claiming a new legal residence, you should consult legal counsel because there may be other factors to consider, such as tax implications.

If your ballot doesn’t make it to 

you on time, you can fill out the 

Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot 

(FWAB) at FVAP.gov. Print, sign, 

and send it to your election office.

!

After you send your ballot, you can check if it was 

received by your election office. Get started at FVAP.gov.

Working Outside the United States

Federal Employees

Are you a federal employee 

who wants to vote from 

outside the United States?

You can! As a U.S. citizen living outside 

the United States, your right to vote 

in elections for federal offices is 

protected by federal statute. That law, 

the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens 

Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), 

covers all overseas citizens, as well as 

Uniformed Service members and their 

eligible family members.

Vote absentee 

from overseas.

October 2019

Fill out and send 

in your ballot 

when it arrives.

2

Fill out and send 

in the Federal Post 

Card Application 

(FPCA) to register 

to vote and request 

your ballot.

FPCA

1
October 2019

FAQ

What is the FPCA?

It is a form that tells your election office that you want to vote 

absentee and need to receive absentee ballots that year. Send 

in a new FPCA every January, every time you move, or at least 

90 days before an election.

How do I get the FPCA and fill it out?

Go to FVAP.gov and select your state of voting residence. 

Use FVAP’s online assistant or fill out the FPCA by hand. Then 

print, sign and send it to your election office. Hard copies are 

available at any U.S. embassy, consulate or military installation. 

How do I send in my FPCA?

Mail your FPCA to your election office. Find the address at 

FVAP.gov. 

If you are mailing through the U.S. Postal Service, APO/FPO or 

diplomatic pouch, you can download a postage-paid envelope 

at FVAP.gov. Or contact your closest U.S. embassy or consulate 

to see if you can drop off your FPCA for mailing free of charge. 

If you are mailing the FPCA using a foreign country’s postal 

service, place the correct postage and write “USA” in the 

address line.

You may be able to send in your FPCA by email or fax. Check 

FVAP.gov to see what your state allows. If eligible, you can 

send your FPCA or ballot electronically with FVAP’s help by 

faxing it toll-free to 800-368-VOTE (8683) or emailing it to 

ets@FVAP.gov.

How do I check the status of my ballot request?

You can follow up with your election office to make sure your 

FPCA was received and find out when to expect your ballot. 

Find contact information at FVAP.gov.

What are the most common mistakes made on 

the FPCA?

• Illegible handwriting. If you prefer to type, you can fill out the 

FPCA form using the online assistant and print it out.

• No signature. Don’t forget to sign and date your FPCA 

before mailing to your election office. If you use the online 

assistant, you still need to print and sign.

• Not meeting state requirements. You must fill out all 

sections of the FPCA required by your state and send it 

ahead of the state deadline. Find your state’s requirements 

and deadlines at FVAP.gov.

What if I don’t get my ballot in time?

You should receive your ballot at least 30 days before the 

election or with enough time to send it so that it arrives by your 

state’s deadline. If you don’t get your ballot in time, you can 

use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup. 

Go to FVAP.gov and select your state of voting residence. Use 

FVAP’s online assistant or fill out the FWAB by hand. Then 

print, sign and send it to your election office. Find contact 

information at FVAP.gov.

Need More Assistance? 

Contact your Voting Assistance Officer

Most U.S. embassies, consulates, and military installations have Voting Assistance Officers who can provide 

you with in-person assistance. Find their contact information at FVAP.gov. 

Attend an event

During election years, U.S. embassies and consulates work with FVAP to host informational events for 

overseas voters. Sign up for info about local events with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at 

step.state.gov.

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

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