Voting in U.S. Elections from Abroad
The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) is the official U.S. government website for overseas voters. They provide information on registering absentee for U.S. elections, as well as details of upcoming elections, registration dates and deadlines. The Department of State also maintains comprehensive information for U.S. citizens abroad who wish to vote in U.S. elections, which is available on their website.
To vote from abroad, you must register to vote with local election officials in your state of legal (voting) residence, AND request an absentee ballot every years. You can begin the registration process at the FVAP website.
Dropping off completed ballots
It is recommended that ballots for the November 3, 2020 election be mailed back to the United States by October 2, 2020. Voters or their representatives can drop off absentee ballots at the U.S. Embassy for postage-free mailing to the United States. Ballots must be in sealed and addressed envelopes. Ballots can be dropped off on workdays at the hours indicated below:
- Until September 18, – between 9:30 am and 16:30 pm by appointment only. Please email BrazzavilleACS@state.gov to request an appointment.
- Between Monday September 21 and October 2, at the U.S. Embassy Consular window – between 09:30 am and 11:45 am or by appointment. A face mask must be worn, and social distancing maintained.
- After October 5, – between 9:30 am and 16:30 pm by appointment only. Please email BrazzavilleACS@state.gov to request an appointment.
- Please note that the embassy will be closed on September 7 and that there is no guarantee that your ballot will be delivered on time if you send it after October 2.
Last Minute Voting
U.S. Embassies and Consulates are not polling stations and are not open on election days for in-person voting. We are here to answer your questions about voting from abroad and assist with forwarding your voting materials to your local electoral office in the United States.
If you have registered to vote but not received your ballot 30 days before the election, or you haven’t registered but would still like to vote, please refer to your State-specific instructions and complete a FWAB if appropriate.
Further Questions
If you have specific questions or need further assistance, you can contact FVAP by email, or by telephone at +1-800-438-VOTE (1-800-438-8683). Alternatively, email BrazzavilleACS@state.gov
