October 01, 2024

How to Vote from Abroad in North Carolina


Key Dates and Information for voting in North Carolina elections from overseas

 General Election (Nov 5, 2024):

 - Registration Due by: November 4, 2024
 - Ballot Request Due: November 4, 2024
 - Return by Email/Online or Fax: Received by 7:30 PM, November 5, 2024

- Return by Mail: Received by 5 PM, November 14, 2024 


*If your ballot is received after 7:30 PM ET on Election Day, it will not be timely unless you transmitted the ballot by 12:01 AM on the day of the election at the place where you completed the ballot, and it is received by the "Return by Mail" receipt deadline above.
Please mail your voting materials early enough to account for mail delivery times.
 

Can I vote from overseas?
Yes, you should assume that as a US citizen you still retain the right to vote. 
- UOCAVA: The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act applies to U.S. citizens living outside the U.S., including military members and their families. It allows absentee voting for federal offices.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens who have never lived in the U.S. but have a parent or guardian who was last registered in Georgia can vote in Georgia.
Voting Process for Overseas Citizens key terms.

1. Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
 - This form allows UOCAVA citizens to register to vote and request absentee ballots.
 - The FPCA should be updated annually or when there's a change of address.
2. Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)
 - A backup option if an absentee ballot isn’t received in time.
 - The FWAB allows voting for federal, state, and local elections.

Important information

What is UOCAVA? 
 
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act is commonly referred to as UOCAVA. UOCAVA citizens are U.S. citizens who are active members of the Uniformed Services, the Merchant Marine, the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, their eligible family members and other U.S. citizens residing outside the United States. The law provides the legal basis for absentee voting requirements for federal offices.


What is the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)? 
 
The FPCA (Federal Standard Form 76) allows UOCAVA citizens to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. This form is also used to update your contact information.


What is the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)? 
 
The FWAB (Federal Standard Form 186) serves as an emergency backup ballot for UOCAVA citizens. If you do not receive your absentee ballot from your state in time to return it to your election official to participate in the election, use the FWAB.


What is the Prepaid Mail Label 11- DoD? 
 
Overseas Uniformed Service members can use this label for general election absentee ballots. It provides free express mail service to your election official for general election absentee ballots. You can request to have a Prepaid Mail Label 11-DoD applied to your absentee ballot at Military Postal Office locations (APO/FPO). Keep part of the tracking label to track your absentee ballot through the U.S. Postal Service.
What is a primary election? 
 
A primary election is an election held before the general election to determine the candidates that can be placed on the general election ballot.
What is a runoff election? 
 
A runoff election is an election held if the state requires that a candidate receive a certain percentage of the votes in order to advance to a general election or take public office.


I am an American citizen, but I have never lived in the U.S., can I vote in this state? 
 
A U.S. citizen who has never resided in the U.S., and has a parent or legal guardian who was last domiciled in North Carolina, is eligible to vote in North Carolina.
I am a National Guardsman activated on state orders; does my state afford me UOCAVA privileges? 
 
Yes.
How can I check the status of my ballot? 
 
You can check the status of your absentee ballot here: 
https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/voter-tools-and-forms


Does my state have any online tools? 
 
You can see if your state has any online tools available here: 
https://www.fvap.gov/north-carolina