How to vote in the US elections from Germany

2024 is a presidential election year in the US, and if you're a US citizen or a dual national above the age of 18 on November 5, 2024, you have the right to vote from abroad.

Voting from abroad in the US elections

All 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 34 of the 100 Senate seats, and 13 gubernatorial seats are up for grabs in November. US citizens have the right to vote in primary and general elections, no matter where in the world they live! Voting from abroad is easy. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to exercise your democratic right.

Get your ballot as soon as possible

Request an absentee ballot at VoteFromAbroad.org. Ask for your ballot to be sent to you by email to ensure that it arrives in time. It can take some time to process your request, and some states require you to return your voted ballot by snail mail, so don’t delay.

If you have questions, you can use the chat button at VoteFromAbroad.org to get help at any point, or you can attend a live voter support one-on-one Zoom voter help session.

Here's a quick video on how to use VoteFromAbroad.org:

Once you have your ballot, vote!

Once you’ve requested your ballot, make sure you follow the instructions to correctly select your preferred candidate.

Afterwards, don't forget to stay on the ball. VoteFromAbroad.org has a Voter Protection team and all the links you need to track your ballot, contact your voting officials and make sure you vote on time.

Returning your ballot

Remember: Only use a mail service if you cannot return your ballot electronically.

Ballot return methods vary by state and options include email, online, postal mail, and fax. Always return your ballot as quickly as possible, especially if your state only allows postal returns.

Always carefully read the instructions that came with your ballot! Find your state's ballot return methods here. If your state allows ballot returns via email, online upload, or fax, please use these options, as they’re not subject to loss or delay! You can find out more about fax submissions on VoteFromAbroad.org.

If your state requires postal mail return, see the information below on options from Germany:

New Jersey voters

Please note that New Jersey allows for email or fax returns but requires that the ballot is ALSO sent by postal mail.

New York voters

Don't be caught out! Here are instructions on how to fold the New York state general election ballot:

Ohio voters

Watch this video to find out how to arrange the Ohio absentee ballot return envelope:

Texas voters

You can find instructions on how to arrange the Texas absentee ballot return envelope on VoteFromAbroad.org.

Scanning your ballot

If you need to scan a ballot paper in order to email it in, you can do so with a smartphone. If you don't have a scanning app on your phone, you can use Adobe Scan mobile app for iPhone & Android.

Here's a handy video showing how easy it is to scan a document with your phone:

The dos and don'ts of returning your ballot by post 

• After October 8, it is recommended to use a private courier, like DHL Express, FedEx, or UPS, if financially feasible. All states that require return by postal mail have confirmed they will accept ballots sent with such couriers.
• Take your ballot to the post office / courier to ensure it receives the correct postage.
• Request a Sendungsnummer to track your ballot.
• Ask for a postmark or date stamp (Zeitstempel) for the outer envelope.
• Do NOT send your ballot as registered mail (Einschreiben), as this may prevent it from being delivered (for example, if your county clerk isn’t there to sign for it, your ballot could be sent back to you).

Using the International Postal Service

If your state requires postal mail ballot returns, one option is to use express international mail from the German Postal Service. Please remember that mail services can be slow, so send your ballot as soon as possible! This option is not recommended after October 8.

You should - and some states require you to - ask for a postmark or date stamp (Zeitstempel) to be placed on the outer envelope. Always follow the instructions that came with your ballot carefully!

Using a courier service

If your state requires mail ballot returns, the quickest option is to use a courier service such as DHL, FedEx or UPS. Even with expedited courier services, ballots still take several days to get to the United States, so send your ballot as soon as possible!

You should - and some states require you to - ask for a postmark or date stamp (Zeitstempel) to be placed on the outer envelope. Follow the instructions that came with your ballot.

We do not recommend booking or paying online with any courier service. You will not receive a postmark if you book or pay online.

Note that courier services cannot send to a PO box! Be sure to confirm a street address with your local election official if a PO box is the return address on your ballot.

Make sure you use your vote

It's your right as a US citizen to vote in American elections. Make sure you don't miss your chance! If you have any questions or need help with any step of the process, please contact VoteFromAbroad.org. They can help you.