The next U.S. general election will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. This election will include the hotly anticipated presidential election, as well as elections for all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 34 seats in the Senate, and various state and local offices.
Voting in U.S. elections from abroad can seem challenging, but it's manageable with the right information. This guide outlines the steps U.S. citizens living in Spain need to take to register, request an absentee ballot, and ensure their vote is counted, making participation in democracy accessible from anywhere.
Voting in the U.S. election from abroad
If you are a U.S. citizen living in Spain and want to vote in U.S. elections, you can do so by absentee ballot. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Register to vote and request an absentee ballot
- Register: You must be registered to vote in your last U.S. voting residence (the state where you last lived). Use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register and request your absentee ballot.
- How to Apply: You can submit the FPCA online via the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website at fvap.gov. The website will guide you through the process.
- Deadline: The FPCA should be submitted annually to ensure you are registered and to request a ballot for the current year’s elections.
Receive your ballot
- After submitting the FPCA, you will receive your absentee ballot via mail or email (depending on your state).
- Many states allow you to choose your preferred delivery method when you submit your FPCA.
Vote and return your ballot
- Fill out your ballot according to the instructions provided.
- Return Methods: You can return your ballot by mail, courier, or electronically, depending on your state's rules.
- By Mail: You can send it through the local postal service, or use diplomatic mail by sending it to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They’ll send it to the U.S. but allow time for delivery.
- Electronically: Some states allow you to send your ballot by email or fax. Check your state's rules on the FVAP website.
Check your ballot status
- After sending your ballot, you can check its status on your state's election website to confirm it has been received and counted.
Vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)
- If your ballot doesn’t arrive in time, you can use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup. It’s available on the FVAP website.
Each state has different rules for absentee voting, so make sure to check the specific regulations of your home state on FVAP, while additional information can be found on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Spain.