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With Election Day around the corner, many members of the military and US citizens living overseas have already cast their midterm votes.
Every state allows members of the military stationed overseas and US citizens living abroad to submit their ballots by mail. Some states allow ballots to be submitted by fax or online.
As required by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Voting Act, military voters and other US citizens abroad can use the Federal Post Card Application to request their absentee ballot. This application both serves as a way for citizens to complete their voter registration and request their absentee ballots ahead of the election at the same time.
It can be difficult to submit a mail-in ballot on time when you are a military voter, especially when mail delivery can be unreliable in some areas. As an alternative option, 32 states accept ballots through online portals or by fax.
In the chart below, UOCAVA voters refers to those covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Voting Act. Citizens who are included in UOCAVA provisions are members of the US Uniformed Services and merchant marine, their family members, and US citizens who reside outside of the country.
In some states, there are exceptions and other requirements associated with voting rules.
For example, in Iowa, Missouri, and Texas, military voters covered by UOCAVA can only vote by mail, fax, or online if they are located in a dangerous or hostile fire area. In California, military voters can only vote by these means if they are overseas or have been activated within six days of the election. In North Carolina, UOCAVA voters can cast their ballots mail, email, or fax. Lastly, in New Jersey, voters must also send a hard copy of their ballot in the mail in addition to submitting their vote by fax.
There are a number of concerns when it comes to online voting, including voter and election security, as well as connectivity issues in more remote station areas. But the option increases chances for military and overseas ballots to be counted on time.
Military spouses and eligible family members may also be able to request absentee ballots if they're living outside of their voting jurisdiction.
Military members or citizens stationed overseas can also register to vote and request their absentee ballots from the nonpartisan Overseas Voter Foundation.
