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?
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- Use an Online Fax service, such as FaxZero, eFax, FaxPlus, etc.
- Fax machine. You may be able to find a fax machine at some Tabacchi shops; some copy shops may have one as well.
- Not sure how? Find guidance on fax programs and how to’s here: information on how to return a ballot by fax.
- Need help scanning your ballot? Watch this video on how to scan using your smartphone.
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 FROM ITALY
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- Go to an Italian Post Office (PT) and use Posta Priorità (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 3-4 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.
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DA Italy has organized a special discount with DHL for ballot return for the 2026 midterm elections. Instructions and terms and conditions will be posted here soon! |
Diplomatic Pouch
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy can accept voted ballots and election forms for return to the United States via the diplomatic pouch, which then enters the U.S. postal system for delivery to your local election office. Because this service can be slow and is not trackable, Democrats Abroad Italy generally does not recommend using the diplomatic pouch and strongly urges voters to use email, online upload, fax, or a reliable courier whenever their state allows it.
If you still choose to use the diplomatic pouch, you must:
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Use your official return envelope or a correctly addressed envelope to your Local Election Office, with U.S. postage affixed or a U.S. postage‑paid template from FVAP.
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Seal your voted ballot and any required voter declaration/affidavit inside that inner envelope, exactly following your state’s instructions.
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Place the inner envelope inside a second outer envelope addressed to the U.S. Embassy or appropriate Consulate, if required.
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Drop off your packet at the Embassy/Consulate during published hours for accepting election mail. Many posts will not accept ballots less than one month before an election.
The diplomatic pouch is free to use when you use a U.S. postage‑paid template or apply U.S. postage on the inner envelope, but it can take four weeks or more from drop‑off in Italy to arrival at your election office. The U.S. Mission in Italy has asked that ballots sent via diplomatic pouch be dropped off at least four weeks before your state’s ballot receipt deadline, not just before Election Day.
Where you can drop off ballots in Italy
U.S. citizens in Italy can normally use the diplomatic pouch at the following locations; check the official website for current hours and any appointment or ID requirements before you go.
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U.S. Embassy Rome – Via Vittorio Veneto 119/121, 00187 Roma
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U.S. Consulate General Milan – Via Principe Amedeo 2/10, 20121 Milano
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U.S. Consulate General Florence – Lungarno Vespucci 38, 50123 Firenze
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U.S. Consulate General Naples – Piazza della Repubblica, 80122 Napoli
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Each post sets its own procedures and cut‑off dates for accepting ballots, and these may change from one election cycle to the next, so always verify details on the Embassy/Consulate website or by email before you prepare your envelope.
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.”
Return to: Democrats Abroad Italy Homepage
Go to: How to return your ballot
Go to: How to request your ballot