Updated October 1, 2025

If you received your ballot on or after September 20, you're ready to fill it out and send it to the U.S. from Portugal.

But how? Email? Fax? Snail Mail?

Not all states allow for ballots to be returned via electronic transmission. Check the map below or see the Votefromabroad.org state voter guide here. If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials by mail, then you can do so through international mail or courier service. Continue scrolling for additional mailing options as well as how to fax even if you don't have a fax machine.

How to Fax:
We recommend using an "email-to-fax" service if you don't have access to a fax machine. Note that although the FVAP free email-to-fax-service is no longer available, there are also many commercial services available, such as SnapFax, WiseFax, MonFax, etc. You can also Google "email-to-fax solutions" for more options.

How to Email:
If your state allows email ballot return or online upload, it is strongly recommended that you use this method to return your ballot. Follow directions that came with your ballot on where and how to return it.

How to Send by Postal Mail:

Local Post
CTT is currently sending letter mail to the US, and this is recommended over sending via diplomatic mail. Be sure to affix appropriate international postage. Avoid mail disruptions, plan to return your ballot as early as possible to allow for sufficient mailing time. Consider also voting a Federal Write In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) - the Back Up ballot is available exclusively to UOCAVA (military and civilian overseas voters) to use. If both ballots arrive in time, only one will be counted. See here.

Note: Portugal has over 1,000 CTT post offices, with opening hours varying by location. In main cities and tourist areas, post offices are usually open weekdays from 8:30 AM–6 PM, and Saturday mornings until 12:30 PM. Some post offices may be closed for lunch.

International Express Courier (FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.)
Note that international express couriers cannot deliver to a P.O. Box -- if need be, contact your local election office to get the best delivery address. The cheapest we've found so far is DHL's Service Point. There are many other courier solutions available as well (this is not a recommendation or advertisement). Important: some states have "postmark by" requirements — if your courier cannot provide a postmark, plan to send it so that it arrives by election day.

Still have questions? We suggest you go to www.Votefromabroad.org

Need more help? Send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected].