It is really simple to vote from the European Countries and it only takes a few minutes!

Remember these 5 main steps: Register → Request (Confirm)→ Receive → Return → Confirm

1. Register and request your ballot
Complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) at VoteFromAbroad.org. The FPCA registers you to vote and requests your absentee ballot. You should submit a new FPCA every calendar year to make sure that you are to vote in any election that year that you are eligible to vote for.

2. Request your ballot by email
When completing the FPCA, we strongly recommend requesting your ballot by email/online rather than postal mail. This helps avoid delays getting your ballot overseas. Once you have submitted your FPCA, make sure to check with your local election official (LEO) that your request was received. 

3. Receive and complete your ballot
Your Local Election Official (LEO) will send you a ballot for every election in which you are eligible to vote. Under the UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act), overseas voters are entitled to receive their ballots at least 45 days before a federal election. For the 2026 Midterm Elections, overseas ballots will begin being sent on September 19. 

4. Return your ballot: QUICKLY!
Your state determines which return methods are available. Depending on your state, you may be able to return your ballot electronically, by email/fax, or by mail. If returning by mail from the European countries and if there is no reliable local postal service, then options are the U.S. diplomatic pouch or an international courier. While a courier is quicker, it is more costly, and if that is not a feasible option, then please coordinate with the US Embassy to see if the diplomatic pouch is available for use. The diplomatic pouch is slower than a courier service. If you are returning your ballot through the diplomatic pouch, please allow at least 4 weeks before your state’s ballot-return deadline to ensure your ballot has enough time to arrive. See below for some tips on 

Click here to find Ballot Return information for each European country

5. Don't wait!
If your official ballot hasn't arrived or you're concerned it won't make it back in time, you can use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), also known as the Backup Ballot, which you can find here.

6. Confirm your ballot was received
After sending your ballot, contact your Local Election Official or use your state's official site to make sure that your ballot was counted.