To vote in the November 2024 election, U.S. citizens overseas need to have completed a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) in 2024. Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in past elections, you must complete an FPCA each calendar year to ensure you can participate in elections as an overseas absentee voter.
Even if you have never voted while overseas before, the process is easy.
- Request your ballot. Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). You must complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2024, to ensure you receive your ballot for the 2024 elections. Submitting the FPCA allows you to request absentee ballots for all elections for federal offices (President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives) including primaries and special elections during the calendar year in which it is submitted. All local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.You can complete the FPCA online at FVAP.gov. The online voting assistant will ask you questions specific to your state. We encourage you to request your blank ballots be delivered electronically (by email, internet download, or fax, depending on your state). Include your email address on your FPCA to take advantage of the electronic ballot delivery option. Return the FPCA per the instructions on the website. The online voting assistant will tell you if your state allows the FPCA to be returned electronically or if you must submit a paper copy with original ink signature. If you must return a paper version, please follow the same instructions below for returning your ballot.
- Receive and complete your ballot. States are required to send out ballots 45 days before a regular election for federal office and generally send ballots at least 30 days before primary elections. For most states, you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery online.
- Return your completed ballot. While some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically, others do not. If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials, you can do so free of charge at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Place your ballot in a postage-paid return envelope, or in an envelope bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage, and address it to the relevant local election officials.
You can drop off ballots and forms at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Please see drop-off hours and locations below. Normal transit time from the U.S. embassy or consulate is at least three weeks. You can also return your FPCA or ballot to your local election officials via international mail or professional courier service at your own expense.
Research candidates and issues. Please see the FVAP links page for resources you can use to research candidates and issues. FVAP regularly sends information about election dates and deadlines through their Voting Alerts. Email vote@fvap.gov to subscribe or follow FVAP on Facebook or Twitter.
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov. If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Remember, your vote counts!
Locations and Hours:
U.S. Consulate General Chennai
220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle
Chennai 600006
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. M-F
+91-44-2857-4000
ChennaiCS@state.gov
Drop box: Cathedral Road vehicular entrance
U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad
Survey No. 115/1
Financial District, Nanakramguda
Hyderabad, Telangana, 500032
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. M-F
+91-40-6932-8000
HydACS@state.gov
Drop box: Consular Section
U.S. Consulate General Kolkata
5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Kolkata – 700071
West Bengal, India
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. M-F
+91-33-3984-2400
KolkataACS@state.gov
Drop box: American Center, 38A, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700 071
U.S. Consulate General Mumbai
C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex,
Bandra East, Mumbai, 400051
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. M-F
+91-22-2672-4000
MumbaiACS@state.gov
Drop box: Main Entrance – south side (not the visa entrance)
U.S. Embassy New Delhi
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi – 110021
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. M-F
+91-11-2419-8000
VoteNewDelhi@state.gov
Drop box: Consular Section Gate 6
