Voting From Abroad
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.
A Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) is a (back-up) ballot for military personnel and overseas citizens who have not received the regular absentee ballot from the state after having made a timely application for the ballot. (30 days before the general election)
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 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.
Your state may have tools to check the status of your ballot to make sure it was received. Select your state at FVAP.gov and click “Check the status of your voted ballot.” Note that you will be directed off of the FVAP website and to your state’s page.
tips on using the backup ballot
- Check your state’s guidelines for sending your FWAB. You may be able to mail, fax, or email your backup ballot.
- If your state allows you to fax or email your FWAB, use the Transmission Cover Sheet to protect the privacy of your materials.
- If you’re mailing your FWAB, use a security envelope to seal your backup ballot. Print directly on a blank envelope, or print and tape to an envelope.
- If you receive your official ballot after you’ve sent the FWAB, you can vote, sign, and send that by your state’s deadline as well. Only one ballot will be counted.
Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB)
Haven’t received your official ballot yet? Use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup.
