Overview
Be an Active Voter by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2026 U.S. elections. Voter registration deadlines vary by state. Some states require voters to be registered 30 days before an election. Check the Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.FVAP.gov) to find more information on the deadline in your state. Whether you are a first-time voter or have voted absentee in previous elections, you should complete a Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request (FPCA) each year to ensure you are able to participate in elections as an overseas absentee voter.
You can drop off your FPCA to the U.S Embassy Malabo, Make sure you have proper U.S. postage affixed to the FPCA or place it in a postage-paid envelope, and drop it off at the U.S Embassy Malabo, on Fridays between 10:00 – 11:00 AM to be returned to your local election officials free of charge, or you can mail it directly at your own expense. Please make sure you have proper U.S. postage affixed to the FPCA or place it in a postage-paid envelope.
If you have already completed a FPCA in 2026, check your state’s voter registration verification website, or contact your local election office, to check the status of your absentee ballot request. Using the FPCA ensures that your state will send your ballot to you at least 45 days before the election.
Once your ballot arrives, complete it without delay. Once you have completed your ballot, you can return it to your local election officials free of charge by dropping it off at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate or mail it directly at your own expense. Transit time to the United States can vary, so it is important to submit your vote as early as possible.
Please note that election materials only need to contain sufficient U.S. postage or be placed in a postage-paid envelope. Printable postage-paid envelope templates are available on FVAP’s website.
Steps on how to Vote in U.S. Elections from Overseas
The FPCA allows you to register to vote and request your absentee ballot in one step. If you submit an FPCA, your local election officials will send you an absentee ballot for all elections for federal offices (presidential and state primaries, run-off, special, and the November general elections) that take place that calendar year. Local election officials in all U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA.
The online voting assistant available at FVAP.gov is an easy way to complete the FPCA. It will ask you questions specific to your state and will generate a printable FPCA, for you to print and sign.
- Submit the FPCA
You can return your FPCA to your local election officials free of charge via the nearest embassy or consulate. Make sure you have proper U.S. postage affixed to the FPCA or place it in a postage-paid envelope, and drop it off at the U.S Embassy Malabo, on Fridays between 10:00 – 11:00 AM.
You may also choose to mail it directly to your local election officials at your own expense. Some states allow voters to submit the FPCA via email as well. See FVAP’s Voting Assistance Guide for specifics on all states.
- Receive Your Ballot
After submitting your FPCA, most states have an online portal where you can confirm your registration and ballot delivery information. States are required to send ballots 45 days before an election for federal office to any overseas U.S. citizen who has completed an FPCA.
- Return Your Ballot
As with the FPCA, you can return your voted ballot to your local election officials via the U.S Embassy Malabo, on Fridays between 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Make sure you have proper U.S. postage affixed to the FPCA or place it in a postage-paid envelope. Or you can mail it directly at your own expense. Please note that transit time can vary, so it is important to submit your vote as early as possible.
Some states also accept voted ballots via email. See FVAP’s Voting Assistance Guide for more details on your state.
Learn more
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov. To receive information by email about election dates and deadlines, subscribe to FVAP’s Voting Alerts (vote@fvap.gov). FVAP also shares Voting Alerts via Facebook and X.
By Ambassador David R. Gilmour, U.S. Embassy Malabo
Living abroad allows us to experience new cultures, represent our country, and broaden our understanding of the world. But distance from American soil does not mean distance from American responsibility. As American citizens, no matter where we reside, we retain one of democracy’s most fundamental rights: the right to vote.
With U.S. midterm elections approaching, I urge you to approach your ballot with the same care and diligence you bring to any important decision. Take time to review candidate platforms and perform thorough research. Candidates at every level — federal, state, and local — hold distinct positions on issues that affect American life at home and abroad.
The process of voting from abroad requires equal diligence. Every state sets its own rules for absentee voting, so your first obligation is to know your home state requirements. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) exists to help you. FVAP’s extensive information about voting from abroad can be found at FVAP.gov.
We encourage all U.S. citizens overseas to register and request your ballot as soon as possible. This ensures you are registered and gives state voting officials time to mail your ballot.
Once your ballot arrives, do not delay. Return it through a reliable local mail service or bring it directly to the U.S. Embassy. Whichever method you choose, account for mail delivery times carefully. For more information on voting as a U.S. citizen abroad, visit FVAP.gov.