October 2019

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.

The rights of absentee voters 

are protected by law. 

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee 

Voting Act (UOCAVA) protects the rights of 

Service members and their eligible family 

members to vote in federal elections regardless 

of where they are stationed. It also protects the 

federal voting rights of U.S. citizens residing 

outside the United States. 

Q: Do all states have the same 

election rules and deadlines 

for military and overseas 

voters?

A: States have different steps in regard 

to how and when voting forms are 

returned. Head to FVAP.gov to find 

state-specific guidelines.

Q: Can I vote in person at a 

local embassy/consulate or 

on a military installation? 

A: No, embassies and consulates are 

not polling places, but they can 

help you fill out forms and send 

your ballot to your election office.

Q: When are absentee ballots 

counted? 

A: Absentee ballots submitted in 

accordance with state laws are 

counted for every election. In a 

close election, the media reports 

that the outcome cannot be 

announced until after the absentee 

ballots are counted. However, all 

ballots are counted in the final 

totals for every election — and 

every vote (absentee or in-person) 

counts the same.

Q: Can military spouses and 

dependents use military absentee 

voting forms? 

A: Yes! In fact, military family members who will 

be 18 years old by Election Day may use the 

same Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) 

and Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) 

that Service members and overseas citizens 

do, even when voting absentee stateside. 

Dependents attending college overseas may 

also use those forms.

Common Questions 

About Absentee Voting

?

?
October 2019

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

VISIT CALL EMAIL

CONNECT WITH US

Search for FVAP

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

DSN: 425-1584

Q: Can I vote if I’m deployed?

A: Absolutely! If you’re registered to vote 

while deployed and you don’t get your 

state ballot in time to vote from your 

location, you can use the FWAB found 

at FVAP.gov. Remember to submit 

the form at least 30 days before the 

scheduled election.

Q: Does voting affect the tax 

status of overseas citizens? 

A: Voting for federal office candidates 

will not affect your federal or state tax 

liability. Depending on the laws of your 

state, voting for state or local offices 

may affect your state income tax liability. 

If you are concerned about your state 

tax status, consult legal counsel.

Q: How are absentee ballots kept 

confidential?

A: State absentee ballots and the FWAB 

are designed with a “Secrecy Envelope” 

allowing for the separation of the voter’s 

identity from the cast ballot. Voting 

Assistance Officers also ensure voters 

casting absentee ballots on Department 

of Defense facilities are able to do so 

in a private and independent manner. 

Local election officials are professionals 

who go to great lengths in their ballot 

handling procedures to ensure your 

vote, and personal information, are 

kept private. 

Q: Can I vote absentee if I’m a U.S. 

citizen but have never resided 

in the United States? 

A: A growing number of states now allow 

U.S. citizens who were born abroad but 

never resided in the United States to 

vote using the address where a parent 

or other relative is eligible to vote. Visit 

FVAP.gov to see a current list of states 

that allow these U.S. citizens to vote.