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.
WHERE TO FIND A FAX SERVICE?
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?
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- 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
- Private Courier Service: Services such as Federal Express, UPS, DHL, etc.
- 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.
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- 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
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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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