Your State RulesFAQs

3. How do I send in my ballot by "online upload"?


It’s very easy to return your voted ballot by online upload — it’s fast, free, 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. 

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 (as set out in 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 provide you with a secure link to transmit materials between your computer and their system.

  4. You will need to photograph or scan in your ballot and any required materials, then upload it to your computer. (If you don't have the ability to print or scan your documents you can look for a local service. Search for "printing services near me." Or, try a library, local shops, or ask friends.)

  5. Follow the instructions to transmit the materials over the link to your state.

After you send in your voted ballot, be sure to verify that it was received and counted! You can contact your Local Election Official (LEO) 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.

VoteFromAbroad.org helps U.S. citizens living abroad register to vote and request their absentee ballot. To vote as an absentee overseas voter, fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), submit it according to your state's guidelines, and receive your ballot by email or post.

Public Service provided by Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DemocratsAbroad.org).
This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.