Military & Civilian Overseas Absentee Voting

Who is eligible to vote by absentee ballot?


Military Elector or Civilian Overseas Electors.



  • Members of the armed forces, regardless of whether at the time of voting they are in the election district of residence or in the Commonwealth and regardless of whether they are registered to vote.
  • A spouse or dependent residing with or accompanying a member of the armed forces who expects to be absent from his/her municipality of residence during the entire period in which the polling places are open for voting may register to vote at the time of applying for an absentee ballot.
  • A member of the Merchant Marine, and his/her spouse and dependents who expect to be absent from the municipality of residence during the entire period in which the polling places are open for voting may register to vote at the time of applying for an absentee ballot.
  • A member of a religious or welfare group attached to and serving with the armed forces, and his/her spouse and dependents, who expect to be absent from the municipality or residence during the entire period in which the polling places are open for voting may register to vote at the time of applying for an absentee ballot.
  • A qualified war veteran elector who is bedridden or hospitalized due to illness or physical disability regardless of whether he/she is registered to vote if absent from the municipality of residence and unable to attend his/her polling place because of such illness or disability.
  • Any qualified civilian voter who is residing overseas.
The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) Form should be used to apply for an absentee ballot.  This form can be found at www.fvap.gov. Hard copies of the FPCA are available at all military installations and U.S.embassies and consulates worldwide.

The Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) allows eligible U.S. citizens to apply to register to vote, request an absentee ballot and/or update their contact information with their local election office.  The information provided on the FPCA is all the local election office has to determine if the voter meets the State voter registration requirements, which election materials to send the voter and where and how to send the ballot.

After the ballot has been voted, please refer to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, www.fvap.gov, for instructions on how to print out, assemble and mail the voted absentee ballot.  The last day for the County Board of Elections to receive a voted military or civilian overseas absentee ballot is the seventh day following Election Day.  Envelopes must be postmarked no later than the day prior to the Election.