Get Out The Vote or GOTV is the MOST IMPORTANT goal of DA. Our work matters the most when we take action, and the most important one is exercising your right to VOTE!
Important files from FVAP
Envelopes for Ballot Request (FPCA) only.
If your state requires you to return your FPCA by postal mail, you can use these postage-paid envelops to send it via U.S. Postal Mail by dropping off at your nearest consulate or the embassy. Your ballot request will be sent to your Local Elections Official using the Diplomatic Pouch. Current advice from FVAP is to send your request by August 1, 2020. Please see your state rules for deadlines and other requirements.
Envelopes for Ballot Return (FWAB and Official Ballots) only.
If your state requires you to return your ballot by postal mail, you can use these postage-paid envelopes to send it via U.S. Postal Mail by dropping off at your nearest consulate or the embassy. Your voted ballot will be sent to your Local Elections Official using the Diplomatic Pouch. If you have successfully submitted your ballot request (FPCA) in time, your ballot should be emailed to you 45 days before the election. For the 2020 General Election, that means you should receive your ballot by Saturday, September 19. Please see your state rules for deadlines and other requirements.
If your state requires you to return your ballot request (FPCA) and/or voted ballot (FWAB or Official Ballot) by fax, you can use this free email-to-fax service. Just send your voting material and the coversheet as email attachments to fax@fvap.gov and they will be faxed on your behalf to your Local Elections Official. Please contact your Local Elections Official to confirm receipt. Please see your state rules for deadlines and other requirements.
Making phone calls is our tried-and-true, most effective Get Out The Vote method! Want to make a difference? Train and join DA call-a-thons to overseas voters. We need you BEFORE November!!!
Members need assistance returning their ballots. Each state has different rules, and having someone answering questions is reassuring to voters. It also ensures ballots are submitted correctly. Please join as we use CallHub and Intercom and roll out a blue wave in 2024!!!
REGISTER TO VOTE & REQUEST YOUR 2024 BALLOTS - DO IT NOW!
UPDATED:
STATE DEADLINES HAVE COME!
Still need to register or request your overseas absentee ballot? Go to VoteFromAbroad.org – just answer the questions to fill out your registration form/ballot request (FPCA). Follow directions for returning it to your local election officials right away.
Ask to receive your ballot by EMAIL/ONLINE — this is the best way to make sure you receive your ballot in time!
Once you have your ballot, follow instructions on how to vote it and return it immediately!
BALLOT RETURN INFORMATION
IF YOU STILL DON'T HAVE YOUR BALLOT:
If you asked to have your ballot sent to you via email, make sure you check your email SPAM folder!
Contact your local election officials! Find links to contact them, check your voter registration status, and track your ballot here: VoteFromAbroad.org/states.
BALLOT RETURN BY POSTAL MAIL REQUIRED
The following states require ballots to be returned by postal mail. States with * may allow alternate return methods by email/online, or fax — click on your state or contact your Local Election Official for details.
RECOMMENDED: All UOCAVA voters returning a ballot by postal mail should also vote and return a FWAB (Federal Write In Absentee Ballot). This is a backup ballot used only by UOCAVA voters (those who have sent in an FPCA). You can vote and return both the FWAB and also your state-issued ballot — if both arrive in time, only one will be counted. To vote the FWAB, go to FVAP.gov/FWAB. For more information about the FWAB, including resources for what is on your ballot, check out www.VoteFromAbroad.org/FWAB
EMAIL or ONLINE BALLOT RETURN ALLOWED
The following states allow ballots to be returned by EMAIL or an ONLINE method, in addition to postal mail return. States with * have special requirements — click on your state or contact your Local Election Official for details.
RECOMMENDED: All UOCAVA voters from the above states are recommended to return a ballot by EMAIL or ONLINE as allowed by their local election officials. If you decide to return a ballot by postal mail then you should also vote and return a FWAB (Federal Write In Absentee Ballot). This is a backup ballot used only by UOCAVA voters (those who have sent in an FPCA). You can vote and return both the FWAB and then also your state-issued ballot — if both arrive in time, only one will be counted. To vote the FWAB, go to FVAP.gov/FWAB. For more information about the FWAB, including resources for what is on your ballot, check out www.VoteFromAbroad.org/FWAB
FAX BALLOT RETURN ALLOWED
These states allow ballots to be returned by fax. States with * have special requirements — click on your state or contact your Local Election Official for details.
RECOMMENDED: All UOCAVA voters from the above states are recommended to return a ballot by FAX (or via an email-to-fax service - see below) as allowed by their local election officials. If you decide to return a ballot by postal mail then you should also vote and return a FWAB (Federal Write In Absentee Ballot). This is a backup ballot used only by UOCAVA voters (those who have sent in an FPCA). You can vote and return both the FWAB and then also your state-issued ballot — if both arrive in time, only one will be counted. To vote the FWAB, go to FVAP.gov/FWAB. For more information about the FWAB, including resources for what is on your ballot, check out www.VoteFromAbroad.org/FWAB
EMAIL TO FAX SERVICES
For Alaska (AK), California (CA), Florida (FL), Louisiana (LA), Oklahoma (OK) voters without access to a fax machine, please consider an email-to-fax service.
FVAP.gov offers a free email-to-fax service for US voters abroad to return election materials to their election officials.
Additionally, there are a number of free or inexpensive email to fax services available such as HelloFax (eFax, FaxZero, Faxplus, etc).
Register and request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
January of each year
2
Receive your absentee ballot from your state election office
45-30 days before the election
3A
Return your state absentee ballot to your state
As soon as you receive it
3B
If you do not receive your state absentee ballot, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)
As soon as you receive it
NOTE: If you are at sea or at other overseas locations without access to the military postal system you should send your voted ballots to your election office - 35 days before the election
NOTE: If you are at an overseas military installation with access to the military postal system you should send your voted ballots to your election office - 30 days before the election
The following states have teams set up within DA, as well as special ballot return instructions:
FPCA stands for Federal Post Card Application. Use the FPCA to register to vote and request an absentee ballot simultaneously. Filing an FPCA will update your contact information.
FWAB
FWAB stands for Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot. This is an emergency backup ballot for voters who did not receive an absentee ballot from their state in time to participate in the election.
LEO
LEO stands for Local Election Official. These are County-level officials who accept FPCA applications and send Ballots to voters.
VAG
Voter Assistance Guide (VAG) contains Federal and State rules for Overseas Voters.
VFA
VoteFromAbroad.org is also known as VFA. It is DA’s preferred website for voter registration, as it is clear, concise, offers all content in Spanish, Voter Registration and FPCAs can be submitted online, and there is a chat box for assistance.
FVAP
FVAP refers to the Federal Voter Assistance Program. This is a U.S. government program designed to assist overseas voters. Visit FVAP.gov.
You can mail your FPCA, ballot or FWAB postage-free using these return envelopes. Be sure to use the security envelope to seal in your completed ballot or FWAB inside of the mailing envelope.
U.S. embassies and consulates can provide American citizens with voting forms and information about absentee voting, and can mail voter registration and absentee ballot request forms, and voted ballots back to the United States. Embassies and consulates can also advise voters on local mailing options and estimated mail transit times. In addition, the embassy or consulate can notarize or witness voting materials (if required by the state) free of charge. American citizens cannot vote in person at U.S. embassies or consulates, nor can embassies or consulates receive mail or blank ballots on behalf of voters.
Volunteers create GOTV graphics and content to promote voting on DACN’s social media accounts. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WeChat! Want to do more? Share our messaging to expand our reach and join the Communications Committee to create inspiring content.
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Success Stories: Why We Register & Vote!
CALIFORNIA - Recall Election 2021
BLUE WAVE VICTORY!
On September 14, 2021, Democrats out registered Republicans by a margin of nearly 2 to 1!