FPCA 2026 applications allow eligible Americans abroad to register and request an absentee ballot for the U.S. midterm elections. The federal general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Related overview: Read how Americans abroad can vote in the 2026 midterm elections.
What Is the Federal Post Card Application?
The Federal Post Card Application, commonly called the FPCA, is a standardized form for eligible overseas citizens, service members and qualifying family members. It combines voter registration and an absentee-ballot request in one application.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program says an accepted FPCA covers federal elections for at least one calendar year. Overseas citizens are encouraged to submit a new application every year and whenever they change their address.
The form is available under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, or UOCAVA. When a valid request is received on time, states generally must transmit a blank federal-election ballot at least 45 days before Election Day.
How to Complete the FPCA in 2026
Start by selecting the state or territory connected to your voting residence. For most overseas citizens, this is the last U.S. address where they lived before moving abroad. The address determines the voter’s election office, precinct and ballot.
Use FVAP’s online FPCA assistant to enter the required voter information, choose how to receive the blank ballot and generate instructions for the correct state. Review the form carefully, print it if required, sign it and send it to the election office listed in the instructions.
Most states accept completed FPCA forms by email or fax, while some require postal mail. Registration deadlines, ballot-request deadlines and permitted submission methods vary, so voters should follow their state-specific instructions.
What Happens After the FPCA Is Submitted?
Voters should contact their local election office to confirm that the FPCA was received and accepted. When the absentee ballot arrives, it should be completed and returned promptly, with all declarations signed and any required security envelope used.
States must offer UOCAVA voters an electronic option for receiving blank ballots. However, completed-ballot return rules differ: some states permit electronic return, while others require postal mail.
If the requested ballot does not arrive in time, a voter who submitted a timely request may use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot as a backup. When both the backup and official ballot are returned, only one is counted.
Ballot not received? Read how to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot as a backup.
Submitting the FPCA early gives Americans abroad more time to correct application problems, receive the proper ballot and meet their state’s return deadline.
