Voter registration deadlines in the United States differ by state, with some requiring registration 30 days before an election. U.S. citizens living overseas are encouraged to check the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website for specific state deadlines. To ensure participation in elections as absentee voters, individuals should complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) each year.
For those who have already submitted an FPCA in 2024, blank ballots or instructions for accessing them should be received soon. Voters can verify their absentee ballot request status via their state's voter registration verification website or local election office. Completing the FPCA guarantees that ballots will be sent at least 45 days prior to the election.
Ballots can be returned to local election officials free of charge by dropping them off at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or they can be mailed directly at personal expense. It is recommended that ballots be returned as early as possible and no later than October 4 due to a transit time of up to 20 days.
Absentee Voting Week is scheduled from October 1 to October 8. During this period, voting assistance is available at the U.S. Embassy in Quito on Fridays from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., and at the U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and noon.
"Please help spread the word to your friends, family, and colleagues that U.S. citizens overseas may be eligible to vote from wherever they are," encourages FVAP's statement.
The FPCA allows registration and absentee ballot requests in one step for all federal elections within the calendar year. The online voting assistant on FVAP.gov helps complete the FPCA by asking state-specific questions and checking if electronic ballot delivery is available.
After submitting an FPCA, most states provide online portals for confirming registration and ballot delivery information. Ballots must reach local election officials by each state's absentee ballot receipt deadline; however, many states also accept ballots via email.
For further details on registering to vote overseas or returning election materials, contact voting assistance officers at VoteQuito@state.gov for Quito or VoteGuayaquil@state.gov for Guayaquil.