October 01, 2024

How to Vote from Abroad in Michigan


Key Dates and Information for voting in Michigan elections from overseas

 General Election (Nov 5, 2024):

Registration No Deadline 
Ballot Request Received by November 2, 2024 
Ballot Return Postmarked by November 5, 2024 
Ballot Return: Ballots must still be received by the 6th day after the election.
Please mail your voting materials early enough to account for mail delivery times.

*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.
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, legal guardian or spouse who was last domiciled in Michigan, is eligible to vote in Michigan as long as he or she has not registered or voted in another state.
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: 
Michigan.gov/Vote
Does my state have any online tools? 
 
You can see if your state has any online tools available here: 
https://www.fvap.gov/michigan