How to Vote from Ukraine in U.S. Election 2024

As a U.S. citizen residing abroad, you retain your voting rights in federal elections. With election deadlines approaching, it’s crucial to prepare ahead to ensure your voice is heard. Here’s a detailed guide on how to vote from Ukraine, leveraging the resources of the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) and the support of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

Step-by-Step Voting Guide

1. Register and Request Your Ballot: Begin by visiting the FVAP website where you can register to vote and request your absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The site provides specific deadlines and instructions based on the state you’re registered in.
2. Receive and Complete Your Ballot: Once registered, your state will send you a ballot at the election time. Complete your ballot carefully and follow all provided instructions to ensure it counts.
3. Return Your Voting Materials: If your state allows, returning your completed ballot electronically is the quickest option. If electronic submission isn’t available, you can mail your ballot. Consider using a traceable courier service like DHL to send your ballot due to possible delays.
4. Using the U.S. Embassy’s Diplomatic Pouch: For those unable to use electronic submission or courier services, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv offers a diplomatic pouch service for mailing voting materials. Bring your sealed, addressed, and stamped voting materials to the Embassy or send them in a secondary envelope if you’re outside Kyiv.

Location and Timing for Embassy Drop-off:

In Kyiv: Drop off your materials at the public entrance of the consular section of the U.S. Embassy from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00, excluding local and U.S. holidays.

Outside Kyiv: Send your sealed and stamped envelope in a second envelope to the Embassy’s address provided above.

Important Considerations

Due to ongoing conflicts and disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine, mail and courier services might face significant delays, potentially up to eight weeks. Plan accordingly to ensure your ballot arrives on time. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is not a polling station—voting in person on Election Day at the Embassy is not possible.