How to Return Your Ballot

Return your ballot as quickly as possible. Check your state's allowed return methods at votefromabroad.org/states.

JUMP TO A RETURN METHOD:

📧 Email / Online 📠 Fax ✉️ Postal Mail 🚀 EMS 📦 Courier 🏛️ Embassy

📧 Email / Online Upload

The fastest option. If your state allows it, return your completed ballot by email or online upload — no printing needed for this step. Check your state's rules at votefromabroad.org/states. More information on email and online submission: votefromabroad.org/faqs/RT4

↑ Back to top

📠 Fax

Faster than postal mail and not subject to delay. You must print and sign your ballot before faxing.

At Lawson or FamilyMart: Print, sign, and fax from the same machine — ¥100 per page to US numbers. Note: 7-Eleven does not support overseas fax. See our full Printing & Faxing in Japan guide →

↑ Back to top

✉️ Postal Mail

Only use postal mail if you cannot return your ballot electronically.

Japan Post international mail is reliable but may take up to 3 weeks. Mail at least 3 weeks before your state's deadline. Regular international mail costs only ¥160. Check your state's postal requirements at votefromabroad.org/states.

🗺️ Does my state require postal mail return?

Check the Ballot Return map to see which return methods your state accepts.

View Ballot Return Map →

Use your browser's back arrow (or swipe right on iPhone) to return to this page.

↑ Back to top

🚀 EMS (Express Mail)

If it's past the 3-week mark but more than 2 weeks before the deadline, use EMS. Cost: ¥3,900. Usually arrives within 2 weeks.

Do not select "sign on delivery" — election offices will not sign for envelopes
Make sure a postmark or date stamp is placed on the outer envelope
Find your state's requirements at votefromabroad.org/states

↑ Back to top

📦 Courier

If it's within 1 week of the deadline, use a courier. Options from Japan:

Do not select "sign on delivery"
Ensure a postmark or date stamp is on the outer envelope
Use a valid street address — not a PO box

↑ Back to top

🏛️ US Embassy / Diplomatic Pouch

The US Embassy in Japan can forward ballots via diplomatic pouch. Your completed ballot must reach the Embassy at least 4 weeks before the election.

Since regular Japan Post is generally reliable and often faster, we do not recommend this option for most voters — but it can save on postage if you plan well ahead.

↑ Back to top

← Back to Main Page