Absentee Voting Presidential Election 2012

Register & Request Your Absentee Ballot Today!
www.FVAP.gov

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO REGISTER/APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?
We recommend that you register to vote/request an absentee ballot at least 90 days before Election Day (the Presidential Election is on November 6th).  If you plan on mailing your registration/ballot request through the U.S. embassy please submit it by July 9, 2012, to ensure that it arrives in time. Check the State Voting Deadlines Sheet or Voting Assistance Guide to confirm the schedule for your state.

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE, AND APPLY FOR AN ABSENTEE BALLOT?
You may register and request an absentee ballot in one step by either completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) online or by hand.  Either way, the application must be completed, printed, signed, dated and submitted to your local election office, via mail, fax or email (submission options differ by state).  Check the Voting Assistance Guide to confirm the details for your state.  The FPCA form can be mailed in an envelope with proper postage or mailed within the U.S. without postage by using the prepaid postage envelope template that can be printed onto an envelope.  Election materials with proper U.S. postage or in the pre-printed postage paid envelope may be mailed from U.S. embassies and consulates.  Please allow up to 30 days for the mail to reach the U.S. postal system.

CAN I REGISTER OR VOTE IN-PERSON AT THE EMBASSY OR CONSULATE?
There are no provisions for in-person voting or on-site registration at U.S. embassies or consulates. U.S. embassy and consular officials can assist U.S. citizens in completing the Voter Registration/Absentee Ballot Request form or other election materials for their State, witness election materials (if required), and provide other absentee voting information. You may mail election materials from U.S. embassies and consulates.

IF I DO NOT MAINTAIN A LEGAL RESIDENCE IN THE U.S., WHAT IS MY "LEGAL VOTING RESIDENCE"?
Your "legal voting residence" is the State or territory where you last resided immediately prior to your departure from the United States. This applies to overseas citizens even though you may not have property or other ties in your last State of residence and your intent to return to that State may be uncertain.  Please click here for more details.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT RECEIVE A BALLOT FROM MY LOCAL ELECTION OFFICE?
If you requested an absentee ballot but have not received one close to Election Day, you can still vote by using the back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), which can be completed online or by hand.  Either way, the application must be completed, printed, signed, dated and submitted to your local election office (see above, “HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE,” for additional details regarding submissions).

For additional questions, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page or The Overseas Vote Foundation. For specific questions, you can direct them to American Citizen Services at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate, Lagos.