Speak Out Against Changes to Overseas Voting Forms

Posted by DA News
November 06, 2026

DA News Editor

Submit your comments on changes to the overseas voting forms (FPCA and FWAB).

The Trump administration has changed the federal forms U.S. citizens abroad use to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. These changes could confuse voters, discourage eligible citizens from voting, and create unnecessary burdens for local election officials.

Now, you have an opportunity to speak out.

In late August, the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) changed two essential forms: the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), used to register and request an absentee ballot, and the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), used as a backup voting option.

Among the changes, the administration removed a checkbox specifically for U.S. citizens living abroad who have never lived in the United States. This is particularly concerning because 37 states and the District of Columbia have laws allowing these citizens to vote based on where their U.S. citizen parent last resided.

Removing this option could lead eligible voters to mistakenly believe they are no longer entitled to vote. It also makes it harder for local election officials to determine voter eligibility and issue the correct ballot.

The administration also introduced new identification requirements, including requests for passport information and statements that voters have reviewed state-specific instructions, which are not actually provided with the FPCA and FWAB forms. As well, the ID section implies that voters need a form of state identification - something that is specifically not required under UOCAVA law.

These changes were made without the required public notice and opportunity for comment, in the middle of an election cycle.

Democrats Abroad and the Democratic National Committee have filed suit challenging the administration's actions. Now it's time for U.S. citizens abroad to make their voices heard through the federal public comment process.

Next Steps

The Department of Defense is accepting public comments on both forms through November 9, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

We encourage you to submit comments on BOTH forms. It takes only a few minutes.

1. Comment on the FPCA (voter registration and ballot request form)
>>SUBMIT YOUR FPCA COMMENT

2. Comment on the FWAB (backup write-in ballot)
>>SUBMIT YOUR FWAB COMMENT

On each page, click the green "SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT" button and follow the instructions.

Sample Points to Raise

Your comments don't need to be long or complicated. We encourage you to use your own words and explain why these changes concern you. Personalized comments are especially valuable.

Here are three important points you can raise:

Restore the checkbox for U.S. citizens who have never lived in the United States. Removing it risks misleading eligible voters about their voting rights and makes it harder for election officials to determine eligibility and issue the correct ballot.
Remove requirement to affirm state specific instructions. The forms require voters to affirm they’ve read state-specific instructions without explaining where to find them.
Restore the ID section to its former design. The new format implies that if an overseas voter doesn’t have a State ID, they cannot register or request a ballot. That is the opposite of UOCAVA requirements.

Every comment helps put these concerns on the official record. Don't miss the November 9 deadline.