As info comes in... and we see that there are illegals voting... but not in the numbers that would sway an election... we need to seriously review "birthright citizens" and the impact their votes have on our elections... it's pretty simple for them to get a ballot... even never having resided on US soil... here's how (explained by Grok):
As a U.S. citizen born in the United States (even if you left as an infant and never established ongoing residence), you generally qualify to vote in federal elections from abroad via absentee ballot.
Your situation differs from citizens born abroad who have never lived in the U.S. You were born in a specific U.S. state, which typically serves as the basis for your voting residence (the state and locality that determines your ballot).
Step 1: Determine Your Voting Residence (State)
Use the state where you were born (your birth hospital or city address, or the address your parents used at the time of your birth).
This counts as your "last U.S. address" or domicile for voting purposes, even without later physical residence or ties.
If you (or your family) have any old records (birth certificate, early tax/medical docs, or family addresses), use the most relevant U.S. address from when you were in the country. Election officials prioritize the last known U.S. domicile.
Important note: Some states have stricter rules for those who never "established residency" as an adult or for any meaningful period. Contact the election office in your birth state or use FVAP tools to confirm eligibility. In most cases, birth in the state qualifies you for at least federal elections (President, Senate, House).
Step 2: Register and Request Your Ballot
Use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) — this single form registers you (if needed) and requests your absentee ballot for federal elections.
Best starting point: Go to FVAP.gov (Federal Voting Assistance Program). Their online assistant walks you through the form for your state, generates a printable FPCA, and provides deadlines/instructions.
Or visit vote.gov/voting-outside… for official guidance.
Alternatives: U.S. Vote Foundation (Overseas Vote) also offers helpful tools and a voter help desk.
Submit the FPCA:
Every January (or when you move).
At least 45–90 days before the election for best results (ballots are sent ~45 days out).
You can request electronic delivery (email/fax/online portal) in every state for faster access.
Include:
Your U.S. voting residence address (from birth/state of origin).
Current overseas mailing/email address.
Proof of identity/citizenship if requested (birth certificate copy, passport, etc., under penalty of perjury on the form).
Step 3: Receive and Return Your Ballot
Your state sends the ballot (paper or electronic).
Vote it, sign as required, and return by the state's deadline (mail, email, or fax where allowed). Mail can be slow internationally — use electronic options when possible or diplomatic pouch via U.S. embassy/consulate if available.
Track status via your state's election site or FVAP tools.
Backup option: If your regular ballot doesn't arrive in time, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as an emergency measure (printable from FVAP.gov).
Key Tips and Caveats
Federal vs. state/local elections — You can always vote for federal offices. Some states allow full ballots; others limit overseas voters.
Deadlines vary by state— Check your specific state's rules on FVAP.gov or vote.gov.
No prior voting required — First-time voters are fine.
Non-citizen parents— This doesn't affect your rights, as citizenship is by birth in the U.S.
If issues arise— Contact your state's election office (find via FVAP or EAC.gov) or FVAP at vote@fvap.gov. U.S. embassies/consulates can provide forms and mailing help but cannot receive or process ballots.
Start at FVAP.gov today with your birth state details — the process is designed for citizens exactly in situations like yours. Act early for the next election to avoid mailing delays. Good luck!
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