With the U.S. General Election approaching, many of you living abroad plan to vote. We're thrilled you want to exercise your right to vote as an overseas voter! You may wonder, however, "What state do I vote in if I currently live abroad?"
As always, we've got you covered! U.S. Vote Foundation has the answers for you, whether you're a "domestic" voter, living on U.S. soil, or an "overseas" living abroad or serving your country. As always, we'll gladly take you through your voting journey! Keep on reading.
Who is an 'Overseas Voter?'
You're an 'overseas voter' if you permanently or temporarily reside outside the U.S. during the election. In other words, if you're studying, working, or serving your country abroad (no matter if you're abroad for a short or long time, i.e. temporarily or permanently) - according to the law - you're an 'overseas voter.' As an overseas voter, you're entitled to vote from wherever you are currently located. Or, as we say, your voting rights travel with you.
You have to qualify to vote to begin with, of course. You must be a U.S. citizen at least 18 on Election Day, and the court shouldn't have revoked your right to vote. It’s that simple.
What is a 'Voting Residence Address' or 'Domicile'?
Excellent, you qualify to vote!
Your next step is to register to vote as an overseas voter and request an overseas absentee ballot. This is actually one process combined – you will need to complete just one form. On it, you will specify your U.S. Address, or what is technically called, your “voting residence address”.
You might be asking yourself, "What is my voting residence address if I am no longer living in the U.S.?" We're glad you've asked!
As an overseas voter, you take your right to vote AND your 'voting residence address' with you - where ever you are in the world. But take note! You must register and request your overseas absentee ballot every calendar year. This is done with one form that combines the overseas registration and ballot request - it's easy.
On the registration/ballot request form, you must indicate your 'voting residence address,' which is your 'last established residence,' or 'domicile.' This is your last residence in the United States before you moved abroad. It is essential because it defines your state and jurisdiction for voting.
You should use your former U.S. address even if you've never voted before, never registered to vote there in the past or have no present ties to this address. Why? Because it was the last place you truly lived. NOT temporarily, not for a short time, not a relative's current home, but the last place you truly made your home with an intent to stay, until you move abroad.
Note that you cannot use a P.O. Box as your last U.S. address. If the property no longer exists, you still must use that address, and there is a way to do that – the form gives you the possibility to describe your last address. For example, “…our house was 245 Lincoln St, which was later torn down and is now an apartment building…”.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) gives you, as a qualified overseas voter, a right to vote in federal elections. (For more information: read our recent blog about types of elections)
You can exercise your right to vote from abroad for the members of the federal executive branch, i.e. President and Vice President, and the federal legislative branch, i.e. U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives. To vote from abroad, you're not required to maintain a residence or property in the United States.
See Myths vs. Facts of Overseas Voting
Read More About Filing Your Overseas Registration and Absentee Ballot Request Every Year
Why Is My Last U.S. Residence So Important?
Your last U.S. residence is vital for voting. It determines the state and voting jurisdiction and where your ballot will be counted.
Your vote will contribute to the determination of your state's electoral college votes for President and Vice President. It will also determine the balance of power in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Ultimately, your vote will part of defining the future of the country.
Learn More About the Electoral College and How Ballots are Counted
What Address Should I Use If I Am an American Citizen Born Abroad and Never Lived in the U.S.?
In the case you have never resided in the U.S. and have acquired your citizenship through birth, you can use your parent's current or former address for registration. If both of your parents are U.S. citizens and have different last U.S. residence addresses or current addresses (or, if military, legal residences), you may choose either address.
Read our Blog about Voting Rights for U.S. Citizens Born Overseas
As of 2024, the states that allow U.S. citizens born abroad who never resided in the U.S. to use their parent's or legal guardian's last U.S. address as their own voting address include:
Alaska (Federal Elections only)
Arizona
California (only if you have not registered or voted in another state)
Colorado
Connecticut (Federal Elections only)
Delaware (Federal Elections only)
District of Columbia
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois (all elections for the children of Active Duty parent/legal guardian; Federal Elections only for civilian overseas U.S. citizens)
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan (only if you have not registered or voted in another state)
Minnesota (Federal Elections only)
Montana (Federal and State Elections only if you have not registered or voted in another state)
Nebraska (Federal and State Elections only if you have not registered or voted in another state)
Nevada (Federal and State Elections only if you have not registered or voted in another state)
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York (Federal Elections only)
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon (only if you intend to reside in Oregon and your parent, legal guardian, or spouse is an overseas voter)
Rhode Island (Federal Elections only)
South Carolina
South Dakota (Federal and State Elections only if you have not registered or voted in another state)
Tennessee
Utah (Federal Elections only)
Vermont
Virginia (Federal and State Elections only if you have not registered or voted in another state)
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin (Federal Elections only)
If your state is not listed, please check with your local election official to determine if you qualify as a UOCAVA voter.
Next Steps
Now you know what address to indicate on your registration/ballot request form and why it is important.
Register and Request My Overseas Absentee Ballot Now
To make voting from abroad even easier, create your overseas Voter Journey Map to guide you through the entire process. Share this interactive voting experience with your friends!
Create your Voter Account and sign up for Voter Alerts provided by the U.S. Vote Foundation to be reminded of election dates and deadlines for overseas voters. Every vote cast from abroad counts the same as a ballot cast with domestically.
Check out the Top Questions and Answers about Voting from Abroad
Submit Your Questions About Your Voting Residence Address to our Voter Help Desk
