{"id":351510,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:42","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/voting-abroad-as-a-u-s-citizen.html"},"modified":"2024-02-08T15:56:54","modified_gmt":"2024-02-08T20:56:54","slug":"voting-abroad-as-a-u-s-citizen","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/voting-abroad-as-a-u-s-citizen.html","title":{"rendered":"Voting Abroad as a U.S. Citizen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Voting Abroad as a U.S. Citizen<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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As a U.S. citizen living abroad, voting can present unique challenges. Whether traveling for work or stationed overseas for military duty, understanding your voting rights is essential.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

This article talks about the different ways citizens of the United States can cast their votes in the local, state, federal, and presidential elections. The article also explores the eligibility criteria for becoming an absentee voter and how to request an absentee ballot. It aims to give you the information you need to exercise your right to vote.<\/p>\r\n

Ways for U.S. Citizens to Vote<\/h2>\r\n

Understanding the available voting methods is the first step to ensure you can take part in the election. The following are the options U.S. citizens have to cast their votes.<\/p>\r\n

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  1. In-person voting. <\/b>The voter can exercise their right to vote<\/a> by going to the polling place on the date set by their state’s election office.<\/li>\r\n
  2. Absentee voting.<\/b> This is available to voters who can’t vote in person due to illness, travel, or being away from their voting residence. This is also available to active duty military members and their families.<\/li>\r\n
  3. Vote by mail.<\/b> Here, voters get their ballots through the mail. Then, they fill them out and mail them back to their election office or drop them off at a designated location on or before the deadline set by their state election office<\/a>. The specific rules on the vote-by-mail system may vary in every state. Some states automatically send mail ballots to all registered voters. Others need voters to request a mail ballot.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    What Is the Difference Between Absentee Voting and Vote by Mail?<\/h2>\r\n

    Absentee voting allows voters who can’t be in their voting residence on Election Day to vote. This is particularly useful for those traveling overseas, dealing with illness, or stationed overseas for military service. Voters should request an absentee ballot from their voting residence.<\/p>\r\n

    In contrast, voting by mail is offered to all registered voters in a state. In this process, election officials send ballots through the mail to registered voters. But, like absentee voting, the voter does not need to come to the polling place in person. The voter only needs to mail the ballot at the local election office<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

    Who Is Eligible to Vote as an Absentee Voter?<\/h2>\r\n

    Under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA)<\/a>, you can vote as an absentee voter if you fall under any of the following:<\/p>\r\n

    1. A U.S. citizen living outside of the United States<\/p>\r\n

    2. Active duty service members and their eligible spouses or family members of the:<\/p>\r\n