Military or Overseas Voters

Military or US Citizens living Outside the US

Your right to vote continues, even if you are stationed away from Whatcom County or are an American citizen living outside the US. This page provides information and important links for you to use to ensure you are able to exercise your rights. 

When registering as a Military or citizen living outside of the US, you must provide a residential address in Whatcom County. This can be your last address in Whatcom County, or that of a family member or friend. Your mailing address can be anywhere in the world. 

Ballots are sent to military and overseas voters 45 days before every primary and general election and 30 days before special elections. You have the option of receiving your ballot by mail, email, or fax. Once completed, you may return your ballot by mail, email, fax, or in one of our 23 ballot drop boxes. To receive your ballot via email, you must have access to a printer. 

New Military and US Citizens living outside of the US may register to vote in Washington until 8:00 pm on Election Day. Updates to existing registrations need to be made by the 8-day registration deadline prior to an election.

Uniformed Military & US Citizens Living Abroad Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What address should I use to register to vote?

A: Register in the state you consider your home state of record, and use your last US residential address

Q: How can I register or update my Washington voter registration record?

A: You can do both online at VoteWA.gov. You can also call or email us to provide an address updates or to request a registration form be sent to you. 

Q: I’m not registered to vote in Washington and the election is tomorrow? What can I do?

A: Welcome to Washington! Since you are covered under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE), you are able to register any time through Election Day. Contact our office on how to register and get a ballot. Otherwise, a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) may be used to register and request a ballot and a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) may be used to vote.

Q: I’m registered, but I am deployed/overseas and may not receive my regular ballot on time. What can I do?

A: Ballots for military/overseas civilian voters go out 45 days before Primary and General Elections and 30 days before Special Elections. If you have access to a computer and printer, you can access your ballot electronically. 

Q: I’m worried my ballot won’t make it to you by Election Day. How can I make sure it’s counted?

A: You can email, fax, or mail your ballot back to us. To be counted, your ballot must be signed and dated by Election Day, and

• If mailing your ballot, it must be received by the day before certification (21  days after the General Election, 14 days after the Primary Election, and 10 days  after a Special Election).
• If emailing/faxing your ballot, it must be in our office by 8:00 pm (Pacific Time) on  Election Day. You do not have to send the original ballot and materials.

More Resources

Federal Voting Assistance Program : The federal government provides contact information and other resources for military and overseas voters to register and vote from wherever you are located.

The US Department of Justice provides additional information about the Military and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE)

To request a copy of the state General Election Voters’ Pamphlet be mailed to you, call (800) 448-4881 or email [email protected]. For personalized ballot measures and candidate information, go online to VoteWA.gov.