If an overseas absentee ballot has not arrived, the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot can serve as an emergency backup for eligible U.S. voters abroad. The FWAB is intended for voters covered by UOCAVA who requested a regular ballot on time but may not receive it early enough to return it by their state’s deadline.
Related overview: Read how Americans abroad can vote in the 2026 midterm elections.
When to Use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot
FVAP advises voters to use the FWAB immediately when a requested ballot has not arrived and there may not be enough time to receive, complete and return the official ballot. The 2026 federal general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
The FWAB is accepted for elections involving federal offices. Whether it may also include state or local contests depends on state rules, so voters should check the instructions connected to their voting residence.
How to Complete and Return the FWAB
Voters can use FVAP’s online FWAB assistant or download the form. They should select their state, provide the required voter information, enter their choices and carefully follow the state-specific instructions.
The completed FWAB must be signed and returned to the voter’s election office. Permitted return methods vary. Some states accept email, fax or another electronic method, while others require postal mail. Voters should also use any required security envelope and verify their state’s return deadline.
What If the Official Ballot Arrives Later?
FVAP recommends completing and returning the official absentee ballot even after the FWAB has been sent. Election officials will count only one of the two ballots, so returning both does not create a duplicate vote.
Voters can use their state’s free ballot-tracking system or contact their election office to check whether their voting materials were received.
FPCA guide: Learn how to complete the FPCA and request a 2026 overseas ballot.
The FWAB is a safeguard, not a replacement for early preparation. Americans abroad should submit the FPCA early, monitor their ballot status and use the backup ballot promptly when delivery delays threaten their ability to meet state deadlines.
