Just because you are studying abroad, doesn’t mean you can’t and shouldn’t vote. If you are going to be studying abroad during the election, you can vote by absentee ballot! And it couldn’t be easier.

Here are the steps to vote in the US elections while studying abroad:

*This is for US citizens only*

Step 1: Register to Vote
Register to vote in your state, check if you are registered, and/or update your registration at vote.gov. Remember that not every state has online voter registration so if your state requires you to register in person, make sure you do so before you head abroad!

Pro Tip: Include your email address and ask for an electronic ballot if your registered state allows it.

You are able to vote if you are:

• A US Citizen
• Meet your state’s residency requirements
• 18 years old on or before Election Day
• Registered to vote

You can learn more about who can and cannot vote here. You can register to vote here.

Step 2: Request an Absentee Ballot

The absolute best way to vote while you are abroad is to do so by absentee ballot. That way you can complete your ballot and submit it before to Election Day.

Begin by finding out the Election Dates and Deadlines for your home state. This will allow you to know when you need to send in your absentee application and what date your ballot needs to be returned by.

Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to request your absentee ballot. Make sure you mail it out no later than 1 week before the Absentee Ballot Deadline.

45 days before the November elections, you will receive a blank ballot – either electronically or via mail. If you select to receive your ballot by mail, we recommend you have it sent to the SAI office in your host location.

Step 3: Vote From Abroad

Once you receive your ballot, you can complete it and mail it back in. If you need any help filling out your ballot, contact or take a trip to your local US Consulate or Embassy.

There are many options for submitting your ballot: local mail, US Embassy Diplomatic Pouch, Fax, Email, Electronically, or by Express Courier Service. Be sure to follow your state’s requirements for submission.

For information regarding your specific state, visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s Voting Assistance Guide or the Overseas Vote Foundation website.

For more information, you can learn more from Travel.State.Gov or from The US Embassy in Italy.

Written by: Katie Chappelle, SAI Programs Digital Marketing & Social Media