If you plan to vote in the November 2020 election but still have not dropped off your ballot, please know that we will continue to accept ballots until election day – November 3, 2020.
It is important to note that each state has its own set of deadlines, and unique requirements related to absentee ballots. While many states will accept ballots so long as they’re postmarked by election day, some states require physical possession of a ballot by election day. You will find your state’s deadlines and requirements at FVAP.gov.
Please also bear in mind that many states allow voters to cast their ballots electronically. If you have this option, we encourage you to use it.
HOW TO VOTE WHILE OVERSEAS
If you have never voted while overseas before, rest assured that the process is easy — just follow these steps:
Complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
Whether you are a first-time voter or have voted absentee in past elections, we recommend that you complete an FPCA to receive your ballot this fall. It allows you to register to vote and request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (presidential and state primaries, run-off, special, and the November general elections) during the course of the year in which you submit the FPCA. Local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.
The online voting assistant available at FVAP.gov is an easy way to complete the FPCA. It will ask you questions specific to your state and tell you if electronic ballot delivery is possible. No matter which state you vote in, we encourage you to ask your local election officials to deliver your blank ballots to you electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state). Be sure to include your email address to take advantage of electronic delivery. The online voting assistant will generate a printable FPCA, which you can then print and sign.
Submit the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
Many states accept FPCAs through email. If you must mail your FPCA, you can drop your completed forms sealed into a postage paid envelope at the U.S. Embassy in Nur-Sultan or the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty.
If it’s more convenient for you, you can send your FPCA or ballot directly to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense.
Receive Your Ballot
After submitting your FPCA, most states allow you to confirm online your registration and ballot delivery selection.
If you registered to vote and requested an absentee ballot prior to your state’s registration deadline, but have not yet received your ballot, complete and return a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot to ensure your vote reaches election officials by your state’s deadline. If your regular ballot arrives later, complete and return it as well. Your Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot will only be counted if your regular ballot does not reach local election officials by your state’s deadline. Your vote will not be counted twice.
Return Your Ballot
If you plan to return your paper ballot to your election officials via the consular section, please return your ballot to us as soon as possible to account for transit times between overseas posts and local voting districts. You can download the postage paid envelope from the FVAP.gov website.
U.S. citizens who wish to send their ballots via diplomatic pouch should contact the Embassy or Consulate General using the contact information below in order to schedule an appointment. Please note that all visitors to the Embassy and Consulate General are subject to security screening and you will not be permitted to bring electronic devices, including cell phones, inside the facility.
For more information, you’re welcome to join a virtual voting assistance call:
The Federal Voting Assistance Program is offering recurring virtual voting assistance via Zoom for the next two weeks to provide direct support to overseas citizens. Voters can participate in any of the meetings and speak with an FVAP voting Ambassador who can answer questions about absentee voting, including inquiries about the FPCA and FWAB forms. Voters can also use the chat to write their questions for the FVAP representatives. None of these sessions will be recorded nor will they be uploaded to social media. These office hours are intended to support those voters who are not able to call us during FVAP’s regular business hours.
Every Wednesday at 4:00 PM East Kazakhstan Time (GMT+6; EKT)
FVAP Representative: Sean
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89965798879?pwd=MHJnbDhWZzQrTDNKNFowL0dPTnFWUT09
Meeting ID: 746 356 6929
Passcode: 234960
Every Wednesday at 7:00 AM EKT (GMT+6)
FVAP Representative: Deana
Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/6590837720?pwd=S3crV1dqU2hab1BUOW1ZNi9DcVkxUT09
Meeting ID: 659 083 7720
Passcode: p564bw
Every Thursday at 5:00 PM EKT (GMT+6)
FVAP Representative: Kayla
Zoom Link: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9750035128?pwd=TFZnTHd2dkR6YVhxbWNlcVB2Vy9BUT09
Meeting ID: 975 003 5128
Passcode: 28Xx2X
U.S. Mission, Kazakhstan
E-mail: usakz@state.gov