** In our last voting-related message we listed the use of a commercial courier service (e.g., DHL, FedEx) as a mailing option for your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and/or absentee ballot. We received several questions on the use of such services, so we have updated information in this message with recommendations on the best way to send your completed FPCA and absentee ballot to your state election official. **
Your Vote Counts!
Submit your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to ensure you are registered to vote in your home state. The process is fast and easy. The FPCA acts as both a registration and absentee ballot request form.
Mailing Options for your Completed FPCA
If your state allows you to scan and send your completed FPCA via e-mail that is the recommended option for overseas voters.
If your state requires you to mail your completed FPCA form, we recommend that you mail it no later than August 31 to ensure your state election official receives it in time to send you your absentee ballot. If your state requires you to mail your completed FPCA, you have the below mailing options:
- Mail through international mail using your local postal service (ie, PostNord).
- Mail via U.S. Embassy Copenhagen’s diplomatic pouch. You can drop off your completed FPCA in a sealed envelope addressed to your state election official (see the FVAP website for an easy way to print the FPCA Postage-Paid Return Envelope) at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. It can take up to four weeks for mail to reach its destination via diplomatic pouch, so plan accordingly and drop off your completed FPCA now!
If you are outside of the Copenhagen area, you can mail your completed FPCA in a sealed envelope to the Embassy via local mail (ie, PostNord) and we will in turn mail it via diplomatic pouch. Please send your completed FPCA to us via registered mail at the following address:
U.S. Embassy Copenhagen
Attn: Consular – American Citizen Services
Dag Hammarskjolds Alle 24
2100 Copenhagen
E-mail us at CopenhagenACS@state.gov with your PostNord registration number to let us know you have sent your FPCA to us through the local mail.
- If you are considering using a commercial courier service (e.g., DHL, FedEx), please reach out to your state election official to determine if this option is permissible, as processes vary from state to state. If using a commercial courier, it is best to schedule delivery and physical receipt of the package no later than the voter registration deadline at the local election office destination. Verify the local physical address for your state election office before you send your FPCA. Please note that commercial couriers are unable to deliver to P.O. boxes. If your election office has a P.O. mailing address you cannot use a commercial courier as a mailing option.
Mailing Options for your Completed Absentee Ballot
The same mailing options apply to absentee ballots. Some states allow you to return your completed ballot electronically. If your state allows for electronic submission of absentee ballots this is the recommended option for overseas voters.
If your state requires you to return paper voting forms or ballots to local election officials by mail, you can do so through the methods described above. If you are considering using a commercial courier service for your absentee ballot and you have verified that your election official will accept ballots sent via commercial courier, it is best to schedule delivery and physical receipt of the package no later than the poll closing time at the local election office destination. Verify the local physical address for your state election office before you send your FPCA.
Learn more at the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) website, FVAP.gov. If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact U.S. Embassy Copenhagen Voting Assistance Officer at CopenhagenACS@state.gov
Remember, your vote counts!