4. How do I send In my ballot by fax?

Many states allow electronic ballot return by email or fax, but five states — Alaska, California, Florida, Louisiana, and Oklahoma — allow overseas voters to return their ballot ONLY by fax. In addition, Texas allows active duty military or eligible family members who are in a hostile fire pay, imminent danger pay, or combat zone to return their ballots by fax or mail (but not email).

Opting to return your ballot by fax is fast, free (or very inexpensive), and you don't have to worry that your ballot will be lost or arrive after the deadline to vote. You also keep the original ballot, so there’s always a paper trail. 

For an overview, watch: How to Fax Your Overseas Ballot

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You should always follow the specific instructions in your state’s ballot materials, but the basic steps are:

1. If you received your ballot materials by email, print out your ballot and any required supporting documents that will need to be returned with your ballot (see your ballot instructions).
   
   
2. Fill out your ballot and the supporting documents, and sign as indicated in the instructions. (You will need to sign a waiver of your right to a secret ballot as your ballot will not be sealed when you send it in.)
   
   
3. Your state will usually provide a coversheet. If your state does not provide one, then it isn't required, but if you wish to use one, you can download the FVAP fax transmission coversheet at: www.fvap.gov/eo/overview/materials/forms (scroll to the bottom of that page).
   
   
4. Use a fax machine (many printers also work as fax machines) to submit your marked ballot to your Local Election Office. Be sure to include all required materials to your Local Election Office, including the Voter's Declaration/Oath. 
   
   
5. Your Local Election Official will separate your identifying information from your vote as soon as possible. Your ballot won’t be sealed, but no one should be able to see how you voted.

If you don’t have access to a fax machine, you can search online for a public fax machine near you, or use a fax-to-email service available online or through an app. Another option is to use the fax service available through FVAP. For more information, please see "How do I send in my ballot by fax if I don't have access to a fax machine?"

After you send in your voted ballot, be sure to verify that it was received and counted! You can contact your Local Election Official directly for confirmation. Also, many states have websites to track your ballot return, although the website information may not be as up-to-date as information directly from your Local Election Official. You can find contact information and, if available, links to state ballot tracking state websites at: www.VoteFromAbroad.org/states (scroll down to “Find Your Election Office” and “Where Is My Ballot?”).

Still have questions? Click on the red icon in the lower right corner to email our team.