With the upcoming midterm elections on Nov. 3 right around the corner, figuring out how to vote from outside the United States can be one of the biggest obstacles for students who want to exercise their right while still enjoying time away from campus on their semester abroad trips.
Elon University is known for its students’ participation in study abroad programs, with over 94% of students participating in study abroad programs at some point in their time at Elon, according to a 2025 survey. While studying abroad offers students new experiences and adventures, it also comes with the challenge of navigating the election year from overseas.
For students looking to participate in the midterm election, looking at the Center for U.S. Voters Abroad organization is a place to start. The center started an organization in 2024 called Project Turnout aimed at helping college kids stay politically active while abroad.
By submitting a ballot application on their website, students can complete the Federal Post Card Application, which serves as both a voter-registration application and a request for an absentee ballot for eligible U.S. citizens abroad.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
To request a ballot, visit the Center for U.S Voters Abroad website. From there, you will be directed to a page where you enter an email address. Later in the application you will be able to choose to vote in email form, by mailed ballot or by faxed ballots. Check your chosen states guidelines before selecting a voting style.
Project Turnout follows federal guidelines regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting ballots. The Federal Voting Assistance Program advises for overseas ballots to be submitted as soon as possible. With the recommended vote-by day set as Oct. 21. Ballots won't be counted unless received by Nov. 3, so be sure to account for the time a ballot will take in the mail or to be processed based on your individual voting style.
Next, you will be directed to a screen that looks like the one below. Fill in all of your contact information, and be sure to use the name listed on your ID or driver’s license.
Step two requires applicants to provide basic information about themselves, including legal name. Screenshot taken from Center for U.S Voters Abroad's website.
This section will also ask whether you are a U.S. citizen intending to return to the country. For study abroad students who plan to return within the next year, select the option labeled “I intend to return.”
The third step will take you to a page where you can enter your address information.
Step three asks for applicants address. Screenshot taken from Center for U.S. Voters Abroad's website.
For the first address, enter the address you used to register to vote. The next step is to select your local election office. For students who intend to vote in North Carolina, select the Alamance County Board of Elections or search for “Alamance.”
The next box requires your foreign address. Enter the address of your study abroad housing. The website will then ask whether you have registered with that specific office before. Select the option that best applies to you.
The fourth step requires you to enter your driver’s license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your phone number and a backup email address.
Step four asks for driver's license ID number, last four of SSN and alternate contact information. Screenshot taken from Center for U.S. Voters Abroad's website.
It will also ask you what your election preference is. The recommended option is to receive a digital copy via email.
You can request a mail ballot through this site, but delivery times can be inconsistent. If you intend to receive a mail ballot, it may be easier to use the board of elections website for your intended voting location and request a mail ballot directly.
After selecting your ballot preference, you will select your political party and add any additional notes at the bottom of the form.
Finally, you will agree to the terms and conditions and sign the form with a digital signature. Be sure to keep an eye on your email account. You should receive an email confirming that your FPCA has been submitted to your state. The email will include instructions for next steps and information on how to follow up on your application’s verification.
You will also receive a second email with the subject line “FPCA Form Submission for [Your Name].” This email can be used to follow up on the status of your application, as your local election office will be copied on the email. From there, you should begin receiving your electronic ballot approximately 45 days before election day.
All that is left is to research who is on the ballot and submit it.