Why should I send in an FPCA form for overseas voters instead of the absentee ballot request form for in-state voters?

We strongly recommend that all overseas voters submit the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) form to make sure you are on the voter rolls as an "overseas voter."

The FPCA is only one page and takes only a few minutes to fill out and send in. But it provides significant advantages that are only available to overseas voters to help you get your ballot back by the deadline: 

1. You can request your state send your blank ballot to you via Email. You'll get your ballot as soon as it's available anywhere you are in the world. (In-state absentee ballots are sent to voters by postal mail only.)
   
   
2. Your state must send your overseas ballot to you at least 45 days before the election. (In-state absentee ballots are usually sent 30 days or fewer before the election.)
   
   
3. You may use the Backup Ballot (the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot or FWAB) to vote early if you think you won't receive your ballot in time to send it in by the deadline. Only overseas voters are eligible to use the Backup Ballot. (For more information about the Backup Ballot, see: "What is the Backup Ballot and how do I use it?")
   
   
4. Many states allow overseas voters to return voted ballots by electronic means, that is, email, fax, or online upload. (In-state absentee voters must return ballots by postal mail.)
   
   
5. If your state requires overseas ballots to be returned by postal mail, your state may extend the deadline for receipt of your voted ballot.
   
   
6. You will receive a ballot for every election in that calendar year, including primaries, special elections and runoff elections. (Some states require in-state absentee voters to submit the request form for every single election.) 
   
   
7. An FPCA form, sent in the calendar year of an election, protects your ballot at the federal level in case of a recount. A ballot that doesn’t have a corresponding FPCA form may be subject to challenge in a close election.

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