Recent elections around the world have shown when campaign races are close – whether between candidates or two sides of a referendum – participation from citizens abroad can have an extraordinary impact on the outcome. 

Laws permitting overseas voting and the mechanisms for doing so can vary significantly by country. Worldwide, at least 151 countries allow their expatriate citizens to take part in elections. Fifty-five countries and territories do not allow voting of any kind from abroad. 

For U.S. citizens, the right to vote is protected by law and maintained no matter how long it has been since citizens were last on U.S. soil. The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986 requires all states and territories to provide citizens who have moved abroad a means to vote in federal elections. Additionally, 38 states, along with the District of Columbia, have opted to allow U.S. citizens who have never resided in the United States to exercise voting rights. Last year, the U.S. Mission to Vietnam processed more than 1,100 Consular Reports of Birth Abroad for U.S. citizen children born here. These children will one day be able to help choose the next American President. 

 

Each U.S. state or territory determines procedures and deadlines for their state or territory’s voter registration and ballot submission. Overseas voters must successfully navigate the specific regulations for their designated voting site in order to exercise this fundamental right. Not understanding the correct process, therefore, can represent a barrier to participation. Approximately 2.8 million U.S. citizens overseas can vote. Yet, few do. Of the eligible voting population abroad, only 3.4% of U.S. citizens overseas cast ballots in the 2022 midterm elections. For the U.S. Mission to Vietnam, sharing resources and information on voting from abroad is one of our highest consular priorities. 

 

Every voice matters. Democracy is not just an abstract concept; it is a tangible, collective action. Voting is how we stand up for our beliefs and hold leaders accountable. Voting impacts policies and laws and contributes meaningfully to the direction of our country.  Every time we vote, we reaffirm our commitment to democratic ideals and decision-making. 

U.S. citizens abroad have unique perspectives shaped by their experiences in different cultures and societies; their voices and values are important additions to our national conversation on priorities, both domestic and foreign. U.S. citizens can vote from Vietnam. We are here to help. 

HOW U.S. CITIZENS CAN VOTE OVERSEAS 

Voting from abroad is easier than you might think, thanks to the resources and services provided by the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). Here's a step-by-step guide for American citizens casting their ballots from Vietnam: 

1.       Register to Vote: If you haven't already done so, register to vote in your state. You can do this by completing the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) available on FVAP.gov. Be sure to submit your FPCA well in advance of the election to ensure timely processing. If you are a long-term overseas resident, remember you need to complete and submit your FPCA annually

2.    Receive Your Ballot: Once your registration is confirmed, you'll receive your absentee ballot by email, fax, or mail, depending on your preferences and state regulations. Keep an eye out for communications from your local election office.  

3.       Vote: Fill out your absentee ballot according to the instructions provided. Follow all guidelines for marking, sealing, and returning your ballot to ensure its validity. 

4.     Return Your Ballot: Return your completed ballot to your local election office by the specified deadline. You can do this by fax or through the secure electronic transmission options available for some states. You can also return your ballot by mail, either by mailing directly to the address specified by your state OR by dropping off your ballot at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, either of which can mail it on your behalf through diplomatic pouch. If you are mailing your ballot directly, review your state’s regulations first – or call or email your county election office to confirm your state’s requirements. Some states prohibit ballot return by private carriers (like FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.). 

U.S. Consulate General, Ho Chi Minh City