Return your ballot by mail

First, a few reminders:

  1. If you received your ballot electronically, you’ll need to print it out. Make sure you have access to a printer now so you can get the ballot printed as soon as possible.
  2. Carefully read and follow all the instructions that come along with your ballot. Pay special attention to any signature, ID, witness or affidavit requirements.
  3. Send in your ballot as soon as possible.

If you are unsure about where to send your ballot, contact your local election officials.

Use a courier service

Because Election Day is fast approaching, the safest way to make sure your ballot makes it to the United States in time to be counted is to use a private courier service like DHL or FedEx.

While we know it is an expensive option, it is also the most reliable choice at this point. Courier services provide speed, tracking information, and will guarantee delivery of your ballot by a specific date.

NOTE: FedEx, DHL, and other couriers do not deliver to P.O. boxes. If your ballot indicates a P.O. box address, please contact your local election official for a street address to ship to.

Regular postal mail

The federal government recommended you mail your ballot using regular mail by October 1, 2024. If you are sending your ballot after that day, we recommend you use courier mail to make sure it arrives in time to be counted.

However, if you want to use regular postal mail we recommend you check delivery times before selecting an option. We recommend express delivery if it is available.

Consulate/Embassy drop off

The State Department recommends American citizens who want to mail their ballots via their locations drop off their ballots at least 20 days in advance of Election Day to make sure there is enough time to reach their destinations in the United States.

Since that deadline has now passed, we recommend you use courier mail to return your ballot.

If you have questions about what your local consulate or embassy recommends, please contact them directly.

Find your U.S. embassy or consulate.

Need help?

For questions about where to send your ballot and your state-specific questions, please contact your local election office.

What to do if your ballot is missing.

For general help, email us at help@votersabroad.org.