With the November 2024 election approaching, U.S. citizens residing overseas still have time to register and vote. To participate, they must complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) for the year 2024. This requirement applies to both first-time voters and those who have previously voted absentee.
The U.S. Embassy in Paris, along with the U.S. Consulates General in Marseille and Strasbourg, are prepared to assist voters. Citizens can drop off their completed voting forms and ballots at these locations during specified hours, excluding U.S. and French national holidays.
In Paris, ballots can be submitted Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 18:00 at the Consular entrance. In Marseille and Strasbourg, submissions are accepted in the Consular waiting rooms during the same hours.
Voters should place their ballots in postage-paid return envelopes or envelopes with sufficient domestic U.S. postage addressed to local election officials. The delivery time from France to the United States is typically ten days.
To request a ballot, citizens need to complete a new FPCA after January 1, 2024. This application allows them to request absentee ballots for all federal elections within that calendar year. The FPCA can be completed online at FVAP.gov, where an online voting assistant provides state-specific guidance.
Ballots are generally sent out by states 45 days before regular federal elections and at least 30 days before primary elections. Voters can confirm their registration and ballot delivery status online for most states.
Returning completed ballots varies by state; some allow electronic submission while others require paper forms returned to local election officials. For paper submissions, voters can use U.S. embassies or consulates free of charge.
For additional information on candidates and issues, resources are available on the FVAP links page. Voters can subscribe to Voting Alerts by emailing vote@fvap.gov or following FVAP on social media platforms like Facebook or X.
Further details about overseas voting can be found on the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at FVAP.gov. Questions about the process may be directed to Mission France’s Voting Assistance Officer via fr.usembassy.gov/navigator.
Assistance is available through:
- U.S. Embassy Paris: +33 (1) 43 12 22 22
- U.S. Consulate General Marseille: +33 (1) 43 12 22 22
- U.S. Consulate General Strasbourg: USAStrasbourg@state.gov
For consular affairs inquiries within the State Department, contact numbers are provided as well as information about enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).