2. I haven't received my blank ballot yet. Should I use a Backup Ballot (the FWAB)?

States are required to start sending out ballots to overseas voters 45 days before a federal election. 

If it's more than 45 days until the election, you should email or call your Local Election Official to verify they will be sending you a ballot. You can look up the contact information on VoteFromAbroad.org at: Your State Rules (select your state, then scroll down to “Find Your Election Office”).

If it's fewer than 45 days until the election and you requested your ballot be sent to you by email, please check your spam folder and any secondary inboxes. You’d be surprised how many ballots are found hiding in there.

If your ballot isn’t in your email folders, contact your Local Election Official right away to find out what happened to it. It’s possible it was lost or that they don’t have you on their voter rolls as an overseas voter. You can look up the contact information at: Your State Rules (select your state, then scroll down to “Find Your Election Office”).

Finally, if you’re concerned you may not receive your blank ballot in time to return your vote by the deadline, you don't have to wait! You can vote NOW using the Backup Ballot (the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot or FWAB). The Backup Ballot is only for overseas voters (or US based military voters) and protects your right to vote.

The Backup Ballot is subject to the same requirements as your regular ballot. Please be sure to follow the instructions carefully, especially if your state requires a witness signature. Also, be aware that the deadline for returning your Backup Ballot may be different than for a regular ballot. The deadline information will be in the instructions that print out with your completed Backup Ballot. Please be sure to allow enough time for your Backup Ballot to get back to your state!

For detailed information about how to fill out and send in a Backup Ballot, see: "What is the Backup Ballot and how do I use it?"

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