October 2019

The Federal Write-In 

Absentee Ballot – FWAB

States administer elections in the 

United States and send absentee 

ballots to voters away from their 

voting residence. However, if 

you do not receive a requested 

absentee ballot in time to return 

it to your state, you can use the 

FWAB as a backup ballot to vote 

for federal offices. If your official 

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.

Section 1

Check the box that describes you best. Then enter your current name. If you registered under a 

different name, write this information in the previous name area. Your date of birth is required.

You must provide either a state-issued ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security Number. 

If you do not have either of these numbers, you must write in Section 6: “I do not have a Social Security 

Number or state-issued ID number.”

Section 2

Include the complete street address of your voting residence. You cannot use a post office box mailing 

address. If your address is a rural route, write a description of your voting residence in Section 6.

Election officials use your U.S. voting residence address to determine whether you are eligible to vote 

absentee and which offices and candidates you are eligible to vote for. For overseas citizens, it is usually the 

last place you lived before moving overseas. This address is valid even if you no longer have property or 

other ties to this state; your intent to return to that state is uncertain; or your previous address is no longer a 

recognized address.

If you cannot remember the address where you last resided, then FVAP recommends checking family 

correspondence, passports, or old tax records. Election offices may also help identify your address.

(continued on back)

The Federal Write-In

Absentee Ballot

FWAB

state absentee 

ballot arrives after 

sending in the 

FWAB, fill out and 

send in the official 

ballot as well. Your 

state will count 

only one. 

Instructions

Voter Information Page
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

Sending your FWAB:

Every state can accept your FWAB by mail. Some states 

allow you to submit your FWAB electronically. Visit FVAP.

gov to see your state’s submission guidelines. 

You can find the address and other contact information for 

your election office at FVAP.gov. 

If returning by mail, place the ballot page of the FWAB in 

any blank envelope you have on hand and write “Security 

Envelope” on the front. Place this envelope in a larger 

mailing envelope with the signed voter information page 

and send to your local election office.

If your state accepts your FWAB by email, scan the signed

and completed FWAB into your computer and send to 

your election office.

Section 3

Include your current mailing address. If you are an overseas citizen, your current address must be 

located outside the United States to ensure protections under federal law.

Section 4

Include your contact information so your election office can contact you if they need additional 

information in order to process your FWAB. If you want to receive your absentee ballot by email/

online, you must provide an email address. 

Section 5

(A) Choose “yes” if you would like to receive ballots for future elections. (B) All states allow you to 

receive your absentee ballot by mail or email/online. Choose your preferred method of receiving your 

absentee ballot. (C) In many states, to vote in primary elections, you must enter the name of the party 

whose ballot you want to receive.

Section 6

Provide any clarifying information that may assist your election office to approve your request. There 

may be state specific information you will need to provide. Please visit the FVAP.gov to see your state’s 

submission guidelines.

Section 7

Sign and date. 

The Ballot Page

Top of the Ballot: The FWAB is used for 

federal elections. Choose your preferred 

candidates for the Offices of President 

and Vice President, U.S. Senator, and 

U.S. Representative by writing the name 

or political party of the candidates you 

choose next to the office.

Bottom of the Ballot: Some states have 

expanded the use of the FWAB for state 

and local elections. Include the office and 

preferred candidate’s name or your choice 

on ballot initiatives if your state allows.