October 2019

What is a voting 

residence and why is it 

important?

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.

Your residence is in the state or territory 

where you last resided, immediately 

before leaving the United States. It is 

the address that you considered your 

permanent home and where you had a 

physical presence. It’s important to note 

that the voting residence address you 

use must be an address in the United 

States. Forms that list a P.O. box may be 

automatically disqualified.

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.

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

Overseas Citizens

Citizens Born 

Outside the United States

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.

If neither of your parents is from one of these 

states, it is possible that you do not currently 

have voting rights. However, additional states are 

working on passing legislation to allow citizens born 

overseas who have never established residency 

in the United States to vote in the state in which 

their parents are eligible. Visit FVAP.gov for 

state information. 
Students Studying

Abroad 

If you are living overseas for an 

extended period during an election 

season and will need to vote 

absentee, complete an FPCA at 

FVAP.gov to request your absentee 

ballot. Your voting residency will 

continue to be your last legal 

residence prior to leaving the United 

States to study abroad.

Voting in an election for federal office often may not be used as the sole basis of determining 

residency for the purpose of imposing state and local taxes. When claiming a new legal residence 

or domicile, legal counsel should be consulted because there may be other factors to consider, 

such as tax implications.

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

checking old tax records, passports, or family correspondence. Sometimes local election officials 

can help identify your address if you were previously registered. To claim a new legal residence or 

domicile, consult legal counsel as there may be other factors to consider, such as tax implications.

October 2019

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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