What are the rules regarding overseas voting?
In California, overseas voters have several options when it comes to voting. The Voter’s Choice Act (VCA) was created to make voting more accessible to overseas citizens. The VCA allows overseas citizens to submit ballots electronically, either directly from their home country or from the United States. California also allows overseas citizens to vote by mail. An overseas voter can either register to receive an absentee ballot by mail or submit an absentee ballot electronically. In order to vote by mail, an overseas voter must complete a federal postcard application (FPCA) and submit it to the appropriate election official at least 15 days before the election. The voter can also request that the absentee ballot be sent directly to their overseas address. Overseas citizens are also able to designate a trusted voter outside the United States to return their absentee ballot. A trusted voter must first be registered to vote in the same county or district as the overseas citizen. The trusted voter must sign a statement of responsibility indicating they will return the absentee ballot as soon as they receive it. In order to vote in a California election, overseas citizens must also meet all the eligibility requirements of a domestic voter. This includes being a United States citizen, being 18 years or older, and residing in the state or district in which they are voting. Overseas citizens should also make sure that they submit their ballot on time by researching the specific election deadlines in their county or district.
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