Citizen Services
Voter Registration
The main resource for U.S. citizens voting abroad is the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s website at www.fvap.gov. Here voters can find all the information needed to exercise their right to vote. Each state and territory has different requirements regarding registration and transmission of election ballots. The FVAP website offers information about determining individual voter’s legal state of residence, as well as information about voting and tax obligations.
How do I register to vote?
- Read your state’s absentee registration and voting procedures guide. The electronic version is available at www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/vagchapter3.html
- Using your state’s voting procedures guide, you should then complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), which is available online at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/onlinefpca.pdf or at the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai.
- Depending on your state’s registration procedures, submit your FPCA by post or, in some states, by fax to your designated local election officials.
- American Samoa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont may require the notarization of the FPCA by a consular officer. Please refer to the Voter’s Assistance Guide to see if you are affected.
What is my “legal state of residence”?
Your "legal state of residence" for voting purposes is the state in which you last resided immediately prior to your departure from the U.S. This right extends to overseas citizens even though they may no longer own property or have other ties to their last state of residence and their intent to return to that state may be uncertain.
Keep in mind that exercising your right to vote in elections for Federal offices only does not affect the determination of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, state or local law. Voting in an election for Federal office only may not be used as the sole basis to determine residency for the purposes of imposing state and local taxes. If you claim a particular state as your residence and have other ties with that state in addition to voting then you may be liable for state and local taxation, depending upon that particular state law. Appendix E of the 2004-05 Voting Assistance Guide contains information on probable tax obligations. Consult your legal counsel for specific questions.
Is it possible to register to vote or cast my ballot electronically?
Often, transmitting voting materials by mail may delay timely receipt and return of materials. When such conditions exist, possibly preventing an individual from voting, faxing may be possible. Generally, there are three possibilities or combinations allowed by states:
1. Send the FPCA or registration and ballot request by fax.
2. Receive the blank ballot by fax.
3. Return the voted ballot by fax.
The Voting Assistance Guide explains the fax process, each state's procedures and provides a fax cover sheet. Always mail the original FPCA and voted ballot after faxing.
After casting my vote, how do I return my absentee ballot to the U.S.?
You can return your absentee ballot to the U.S. by mailing it to the United States at your local Emirates post office (postage required).You can also submit your completed ballot to the U.S. Consulate General American Citizen Services section during ACS hours (Saturdays-Wednesdays, 12:30-3:00 PM) , for no-cost shipment to the U.S.
In some states, you may also be able to return your ballot by fax. Check your state's Voting Assistance Guide for more information.
Will I be taxed by my last state or territory of residence if I vote absentee?
Exercising your right to vote in elections for Federal offices only, does not affect the determination of residence or domicile for purposes of any tax imposed under Federal, state, or local law. Voting in an election for Federal office only may not be used as the sole basis to determine residency for the purpose of imposing state and local taxes. If you claim a particular state or territory as your residence and have other ties with that state or territory in addition to voting, then you may be liable for state and local taxation, depending upon the laws of that particular state or territory.
From Frequently Asked Questions, Federal Voting Assistance Program Website http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/faq.html
State Income Taxation of Military Personnel and United States Citizens Residing Outside of the United States:
State-by-State taxation information is available at http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/textvag/appendix_e.txt
Section 911 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) permits United States citizens who reside abroad to exclude from their gross income up to $80,000 of foreign earned income in tax year 2003 and a certain recognized amount for housing. This exclusion applies to taxpayers living abroad who were present in a foreign country or countries for 330 days out of any 12 consecutive months. The housing cost amount is the excess of the taxpayer's expenses over a base housing amount. The base housing amount is equal to 16 percent of the salary of a GS-14 government employee. As of January 1, 2003, this salary is $72,381 so that the current base housing amount would be $11,580.96. Housing costs provided by an employer may also be excluded from the gross income of the employee. In line with this, IRC ¤ 119 provides that lodging furnished in an overseas camp may be excluded from the employee's income. It should be noted that neither exclusion is applicable to wages paid by the United States government even if the Federal employee is residing abroad.
From the Voting Assistance Guide, Appendix E: http://www.fvap.gov/pubs/vag/textvag/appendix_e.txt
Where would I obtain information on issues and positions taken by candidates?
Democrats Abroad: http://www.democratsabroad.org/
Republicans Abroad: http://www.republicansabroad.org/
How can I contact the Consulate Voting Assistance Officer?
The U.S. Consulate General Dubai Voting Assistance Officer can be reached at 04/311-6000 or at dubaiwarden@state.gov