U.S. citizens living overseas, including those in Luxembourg, are being reminded of the steps required to participate in U.S. elections from abroad. The process begins with requesting a ballot by completing a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) through the Federal Voting Assistance Program website at www.FVAP.gov. Once printed and signed, the FPCA should be sent to the voter’s local election office in the United States.
The U.S. Embassy recommends that Americans abroad fill out a new FPCA each January and include an email address for easier communication with election officials. Electronic delivery of ballots is encouraged as it is typically faster and more reliable than traditional mail methods. Depending on state rules, voters may receive their blank ballots by email, fax, or internet download 45 days before general and mid-term elections, and about 30 days prior to special, primary, or run-off elections.
Many states now provide online tools for voters to check the status of their registration and ballots.
Returning completed ballots varies by state; some allow electronic submission while others require mailing paper forms back to local officials. Ballots can be returned via international mail, courier service, or through the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg’s diplomatic pouch service. To use this service, voters must place their ballot in a postage-paid return envelope or one with sufficient U.S. postage addressed to their local election office, then send it in another envelope to the embassy’s consular section.
It is important to note that mail sent via diplomatic pouch may take up to three weeks to arrive at its destination in the United States. Voters close to deadlines are advised to consider using courier services for faster delivery.
The embassy accepts ballots on Mondays from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM and Wednesdays from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. For other drop-off times related to special or primary elections, voters are instructed to contact VoteLuxembourg@state.gov.
Alternatively, FPCAs or ballots can be mailed directly at the voter’s expense using international mail or courier services.
Voters are also encouraged to research candidates and issues using resources available through FVAP as well as non-partisan sites such as Project Smart Voter. Information about candidates’ positions and voting records can be found online through various news outlets and official sources. Updates on election dates and deadlines are available by subscribing to FVAP’s Voting Alerts via email or following FVAP on social media platforms.
"Be an educated voter. Check out FVAP for helpful resources that will aid your research of candidates and issues," states guidance provided by the embassy release.