The U.S. general election is less than seven weeks away, but you can still register to vote and request an absentee ballot (available via email for most states) if you act now.  U.S. citizens age 18+ can vote wherever they are in the world and absentee ballots are being sent out now.  Simply follow the step-by-step instructions on our website and look at fvap.gov for more resources.  U.S. citizens in Cabo Verde can email PraiaConsular@state.gov with any additional questions. 

All you need to do is:  

1) Determine Your Voting Residence – Usually your last address in the United States, or if you have never lived in the United States, your voting residence will usually be your parents’ last residence in the United States (if you were born overseas) or their address at the time you were born (if you were born in the United States.).  If you have questions, contact your U.S. election office.   

2) Register to Vote and Request an Absentee Ballot – You must re-register every year.  You can register and request an absentee ballot at the same time by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) online here or print the FPCA here.  Request your ballot to be sent to you via email if possible.  Locate instructions for voter registration and ballot requests in your state of voting residence in the Voting Assistance Guide.  

3) Complete and Submit Your Ballot (or Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot) – If you do not receive a ballot by the week of September 21, please complete the Federal Write-In AbsenteeBallot (FWAB) online or print it