Voting from Abroad

Your Guide to Vote from Abroad

Your vote matters! Even when you're studying abroad, you can and should vote. Here's what you need to know to make your voice heard if you are going to be abroad during an election.

The below instructions apply to U.S. citizens only. If you are unsure about your eligibility to vote in U.S. elections, review this helpful USA.gov resource. If you are eligible to vote in another country's elections, you are encouraged to review that country's procedures for absentee or early voting.

Step 1: Register to Vote

Visit NU Votes to learn how to register to vote, check if you're registered, or update your registration.

Note: Not every state allows online voter registration. If your state requires in-person registration, you must complete this before going abroad.

Step 2: Request an Absentee Ballot

The best option for voting from abroad is requesting an absentee ballot that you can complete and mail before Election Day.

Note: Many states require you to mail in your absentee ballot request, which takes time. NU Votes can help you with this process.

Step 3: Vote From Abroad

Complete your absentee ballot and mail it back to the U.S. before Election Day.

Note: On-site staff can help you navigate your host country's mail system. Allow extra time for mail delivery due to customs processing to ensure your vote is counted.

Prepare to Discuss U.S. Politics While Abroad

You may be surprised by how much people in your host country know about U.S. politics and government. Expect questions about U.S. politics while studying abroad - here's how to prepare:

• Learn about your host country's politics and government. Understanding your destination's government and current political issues helps you better grasp cultural dynamics and engage in meaningful conversations about U.S. politics.
• Be prepared to discuss U.S. politics, especially in an election year. Many countries follow U.S. elections closely. Consider how you'll respond to questions about your political views or preferred candidates.
  • Learn political vocabulary in your host country's language. If needed, familiarize yourself with terms related to current issues, voting, and the U.S. political system.
  • Develop an understanding of the electoral college. This is a common topic of interest, so be ready to explain how it works.
  • Know that politics and religion aren't taboo topics in many cultures. Questions that might seem personal to you may be asked out of genuine interest.
  • Remember that you may be seen as a representative of the U.S. Use this as an opportunity to share your experiences and learn about other perspectives.
• Stay informed about U.S. news and world events while abroad to engage in thoughtful discussions and make informed decisions.