- Visit VoteFromAbroad.org to register and request your ballot for voting. Follow the 3 simple steps to register!
- Talk to a representative for personalized help via Zoom. Click here!
- Email for more help or information
Click here or email: [email protected]
Step 1: Register and request your ballot
Visit VoteFromAbroad.org to register and request your ballot for voting. Remember, even if you are already registered, you need to request your ballot each election year. The website guides you through filling out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), the form used by overseas voters like yourself to request ballots. Provide the last U.S. address you voted from.
- Most states allow you to email the completed form to your local election office, but nine states require postal mail for this process.
- For example, New York, Connecticut, Alabama, and Arkansas mandate postal mail for returning registration/ballot request forms.
- California, Florida, Idaho, South Dakota, and Wisconsin need postal mail for initial voter registration from abroad, but if you have voted from abroad before and are only requesting your ballot, you can use email.
- Consider sending your ballot request by mail to California even if you are already registered, as some California counties are not accepting emailed forms.
To submit your registration form when postal mail is not feasible in Mexico:
- Drop your form off at the U.S. Consulate in Mérida or the U.S. Consular Agency in Cancun.
- Alternatively, ask a friend traveling to the U.S. to mail it for you.
If you are a dual citizen who has never voted in the U.S., you are still eligible to vote; and 38 states allow dual citizens who have not lived in the U.S. to vote; for more details, visit VoteFromAbroad.org.
Pro tip: When filling out the FPCA form, be sure to mark that you want your ballot sent to you by email.
Step 2: Receive and vote your ballot
Your ballot will be sent to you via email on Sept. 21, 45 days before the Nov. 5 election, so remember to check your email.
Federal law allows voting for federal positions such as President, Vice President, Senate, and House of Representatives. Some states permit voting for state and local offices as well. Make sure to carefully read the guidelines, sign where necessary, use the correct color pen (if specified), and adhere to all instructions as each state has its own set of requirements.
Pro tip: Human error is a top reason overseas absentee ballots are rejected, so it’s worth taking some extra time to read the instructions.
Step 3: Return your completed ballot ASAP
Some states allow overseas voters to electronically return their ballots via email, an upload portal, or even by fax.
You can utilize a free fax app like https://faxzero.com if needed.
While most states mandate postal return, the simplest method is to print your ballot, its security envelope, and outer envelope. Typically, postage is prepaid, but if you require a stamp, Democrats Abroad Yucatan can provide one.
CRUCIAL: Submit the completed ballot in its envelope to the U.S. Consulate by OCT. 1 to ensure it reaches your local election office in time for counting on Nov. 5.
After Oct. 1, consider using an expedited delivery service like FedEx or DHL for faster delivery. Democrats Abroad Yucatan is available to assist with returning your ballot.
For details on each state's ballot return choices, visit VoteFromAbroad.org.
Pro tip: You know who you're voting for, so don't delay. Fill out and return your ballot within a week of receiving it to be sure your crucial ballot arrives in time!