Make sure you're registered and ready to vote from South Korea in 2026. Protect your vote: submitting your FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) every year registers you as a voter living abroad, requests all eligible ballots, and helps guard against voter roll purges. Exercise your rights — start at VoteFromAbroad.org.
🗳️ Voting from South Korea: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Register to Vote?
This depends on your state. Visit Vote From Abroad to:
- Check your state's registration and ballot request deadlines
- Submit or update your voter registration
- Request your absentee ballot
- Verify your voter registration status
Don't wait—many states have different deadlines and requirements.
📬 Returning Your Ballot from South Korea
Ballot return methods — by email/online, fax, or postal mail — vary by state. Find your state's ballot return methods here.
📌 Always vote and return your ballot as soon as possible, by the fastest method allowed for your state! 📌
Electronic Ballot Return
✅ If your state allows ballot return by email, online upload, or fax, these are often the fastest options. Follow your state's instructions carefully and confirm all required documents are included.
If you vote in Alaska, California, Florida, Louisiana, or Oklahoma, you can return a ballot by fax or an email-to-fax service (but not by email). Not sure how? Find guidance on fax programs and how-to's here: information on how to return a ballot by fax. Need help scanning your ballot? Watch this video on how to scan using your smartphone.
Returning Your Ballot by Mail
📌 Only use postal mail if your state does not allow electronic ballot return.
Several options are available. Delivery times may vary depending on mail volume, customs processing, weather, holidays, and local conditions.
Korea Post EMS
Korea Post provides tracked international delivery to the United States. Ask the postal clerk to ensure your envelope receives a visible postmark or date stamp if your state requires one. Check your state's ballot receipt and postmark requirements before mailing.
Commercial Courier Services (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer international courier services between South Korea and the United States. Delivery times and costs vary. Note: some local election offices may not accept deliveries requiring a signature—check with your Local Election Official before using a courier, and select no-signature options when available.
U.S. Embassy and Consulate Ballot Collection
The U.S. Embassy Seoul and Consulate periodically participate in the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) diplomatic pouch service. Availability and deadlines vary by election cycle—consult both sites before relying on this option.
⚠️ Important Reminders
- Check your state's ballot return requirements carefully
- Some states require a postmark by a certain date
- Some states require ballots to be received by Election Day
- Some states have witness or signature requirements
- Return your ballot as early as possible
- Track your ballot if your state offers tracking services
🗳️ Vote a Backup Ballot!
All overseas voters are urged to vote their ballot promptly and return it right away. If your state requires postal mail return, consider also voting a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) — think of it as insurance for your vote. If both ballots arrive, only one will be counted.
📭 What If I Haven't Received My Ballot?
Step 1: Check Your Email 📧
Many states send overseas ballots electronically. Check your inbox, spam, promotions, and junk folders.
Step 2: Contact Your Local Election Official
Verify your ballot was sent and confirm how it was delivered. Find your election office at Vote From Abroad — select your state and scroll to "Find Your Election Office."
Step 3: Use a Backup Ballot
If your ballot hasn't arrived, you may be able to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) — a backup ballot available to eligible overseas and military voters.
✅ Confirm Your Ballot Is Accepted
After returning your ballot, confirm it was received and will be counted. Go to VoteFromAbroad.org/states, select your state, and scroll to "Track My Ballot." You can also look up your local election official's contact info to follow up directly.
🎉 Get Your I Voted Sticker!
Let your friends and family know you voted from abroad. Get your digital "I Voted" sticker from FVAP here.
🙋 Need Help?
Questions about voting from South Korea?
📧 [email protected]
📧 [email protected]
You can also attend Democrats Abroad voter assistance events and virtual voter help sessions throughout the election season.
🤝 Want to Get More Involved?
Democrats Abroad Korea is always looking for volunteers to help with voter outreach, voter assistance, communications, and events.
❗ Important Note
There is no in-person voting in South Korea for U.S. elections. All overseas voters must vote absentee according to their state's rules.