Important!  Be sure to review your state’s ballot return requirements carefully!  Some states allow you to return the ballot via email, online, or fax, but some of those states ALSO require that you MAIL the hard copy of the ballot. See Your State Rules.

EMAIL or ONLINE

If your state permits it, return your ballot by email attachment or online upload for fastest delivery.
The following states allow ballots to be returned by EMAIL or an ONLINE method. States with an (*) have special requirements for email/online return — click on your state for details.

AL*, AZ*, CO, DC, DE, HI, IN, KS, MA, ME, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE*, NJ*, NM, NV, OR, RI, SC, UT, WA, WV

 FAX

These states allow ballots to be returned by fax - we suggest using an online fax service. States with an (*) have special requirements — click on your state for details.

AK*, CA, FL, LA*, OK

WHERE TO FIND A FAX SERVICE?

1. 1. Use an Online Fax service, such as FaxZero, HelloFax, eFax, FaxPlus, etc.
   2. Fax machine. You may be able to find a fax machine at some Tabacchi shops; some copy shops may have one as well.
   3. Email to Fax via FVAP.gov. You can email your election materials to [email protected] and FVAP will fax your election materials for you. This is a free service. FVAP is the federal government’s Federal Voter Assistance Program.  You can download this required fax transmission cover sheet to use their service.

NOTE: When your materials have been faxed to FVAP,  you will receive an email from them.  This is NOT confirmation that your Election Office has received your ballot.  You should contact your Local Election Office directly to confirm they have received the fax. Attention: this FVAP service will likely be extremely overloaded this Fall and may lead to delays!  

POSTAL MAIL  

📌 Remember! Only use a postal mail service (which may take up to 4 weeks to arrive) if you cannot return your ballot via email, online, or fax.  Do not use any delivery option that requires a signature upon receipt. The Local Election Offices cannot sign for receipt and will not accept it.  📌

The following states require ballots to be returned by postal mail. States with an (*) may allow alternate return methods by email, online, or fax — click on your state for details.

AL*, AR, CT, GA, ID, IL, IA*, KY, LA*, MD, MI, MN, MO*, NE*, NH, NJ*, NY, OH, PA, SD, TN, TX*, VA, VT, WI, WY

HOW TO SEND BY POSTAL MAIL?

1. 1. Go to an Italian Post Office (PT) and use Posta Priorità Internazionale (NOT “raccomandata” NOR “raccomandata con ricevuta di ritorno”). Italian postage for this service has a cost starting at €4,65. Be sure to get a postmark on your package. You should plan for 2-4 weeks for delivery to your Local Election Office.  For more info: https://www.poste.it/prodotti/posta-prioritaria-internazionale.html
   2. Private Courier Service: Services such as Federal Express, UPS, DHL, etc.  Democrats Abroad Italy has negotiated a 20% discount with DHL using the promo code USA2024. Find the nearest store here Home page DHL - Logistica globale e spedizioni internazionali Italia.​
   3. US. Consulate Diplomatic Pouch/U.S. Postal Service. You can drop off your ballot at an American Embassy or Consulate and have them send it to the U.S. in their diplomatic pouch. This service is already in place and will remain in service through November.  One should calculate at least one month for delivery.

• • • Prepare your ballot. Remember to seal your ballot and identification forms according to instructions included in your packet. Address the envelope to your Local Election Office.  Important!  You will need US. postage on the envelope (not Italian postage), as it will be delivered into the U.S. mail system after transportation to the U.S. by the diplomatic service. You can use the U.S. postage paid return envelope provided with your ballot, or an envelope bearing sufficient U.S. postage. You can download the free U.S. postage-paid ballot return envelope template at FVAP.gov.
    • Drop off your ballot at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday (excluding these holidays). See below for the Consulate addresses.
    • Be prepared to present your U.S. passport during your visit.
    • If you have any questions about returning your ballot via the diplomatic pouch, click here to contact your nearest US embassy or consulate

Important! 

No matter what method you use for your ballot return (email, online, fax, or postal mail), be sure to confirm directly with your Local Election Office that your ballot has been received and counted. If you are calling or writing to your Local Election Office, remember to identify yourself as an Overseas Citizen Voter (UOCAVA law).   A number of states allow you to track the status of your ballot.  See Your State Rules, select your state, and click “Track my Ballot.”  

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Last Updated 18 August2024