Voting in USA Elections as an Expat living in the Dominican Republic

One of the concerns of U.S. expats living in the DR (or abroad) is whether they can vote in U.S. elections. The topic usually comes up during a presidential election year.

Yes, you can vote as an expat living overseas through absentee voting, but you need to start the process as early as possible.

Here’s what you need to do.

1. Verify Your Eligibility

U.S. citizens living in the Dominican Republic are typically eligible to vote in federal elections (presidential and congressional). That said, state and local election voting eligibility may vary depending on the state and local election rules. You must have been registered to vote in the U.S. before moving abroad or qualify to register in the state where you last resided.

2. Register to Vote and Request an Absentee Ballot

To vote from abroad, you must request an absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). This form serves to register you to vote and request the absentee ballot. You can get this form from the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website.

Complete the FPCA and send it to your local election office in the U.S. It’s recommended to do this at the start of the calendar year or at least 45 days before Election Day to ensure ample processing time.

3. Receive and Complete Your Ballot

Once your application is processed, your local election office in the U.S. will send you an absentee ballot electronically or via mail, depending on your state’s rules and preferences. After receiving it, carefully follow the instructions to fill out your ballot.

4. Return Your Ballot

The return process varies by state—some allow ballots to be submitted electronically, while others require you to return via physical mail. If you need to mail your ballot, do so as early as possible to account for slower international mail speeds.
You can drop off your ballot in a sealed, addressed, and postage-paid envelope free of charge at the U.S. embassy in Santo Domingo. However, please note that there will be longer transit times (up to five weeks) from the embassy to the United States.

5. Verify Your Vote

After submitting your ballot, you can verify its status by contacting your local election office or checking their website. By confirming, you ensure your vote has been counted and alert you to any issues.

For detailed guidance, deadlines, and assistance, the FVAP website is a comprehensive resource tailored to the needs of overseas voters.

You can visit the FVAP website here at www.fvap.gov. Also, you can get voter information here on the U.S. Embassy website in the Dominican Republic at https://do.usembassy.gov/voting-instruction-elections-2024/.
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Maria Abreu is the CEO and Managing Attorney of Abreu & Associates, a law firm practicing exclusively in Dominican Republic Immigration and Nationality law. She is also the founder of Retire and Invest DR. This organization hosts conference events for foreigners interested in living, retiring, and investing in the DR. You can contact Maria at: mabreu@abreuimmigration.com.