Voting Abroad

U.S. citizens can still vote in elections even if you are overseas, but you will need to request an absentee ballot. A step-by-step guide is available at this website from IES Abroad:

How to Vote While Studying Abroad

A few things to consider:

• Voter registration, ballot request, and ballot return deadlines vary by state. Some states require voters to be registered 30 days before an election. Check the Federal Voting Assistance Program website for your state’s deadlines. If you haven’t already done so, now is the best time to get the overseas voting process started to ensure your voice is heard!
• Your vote counts! Did you know that many U.S. federal elections for the House of Representatives and Senate have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters? Many recent elections have been decided by a margin of victory of less than 0.1%. All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the deadline. 
• Be an educated voter. Check out the FVAP links page for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues.
• Support is available. Don’t let a question stand between you and voting. The nonprofit, nonpartisan U.S. Vote Foundation offers a Voter Help Desk where U.S. citizens abroad can find answers and ask questions about the voting process.