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Registrar of Voters
Registrar of Voters

Military and Overseas Voters

What are the benefits of being a Military and Overseas Voter?

  • Military and overseas voters can receive their ballots earlier than other voters. Ballots can be sent between 60 and 45 days before an election. 
  • Military and overseas voters can choose to receive their ballots by mail, email, and fax.

Who qualifies as a Military and Overseas Voter?

  • A member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty outside your county.
  • An eligible spouse or dependent of a member of the Uniformed Services or Merchant Marine on active duty outside your county.
  • An activated National Guard member on State orders outside your county.
  • A U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S. temporarily.
  • A U.S. citizen residing outside the U.S. indefinitely.
  • A U.S. citizen and have never resided in the U.S.

How do I sign up to be a Military & Overseas Voter?

OR

  • Complete the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA). If you are already registered to vote, you can scan and email your signed FPCA to [email protected] or fax it to 1-408-293-6002. If you are not already registered to vote, your signed paper FPCA will also be your voter registration form. Mail the signed paper FPCA to Registrar of Voters, PO Box 611750, San Jose, CA 95161-1750.

What is the deadline to become a Military & Overseas Voter?

  • Military and overseas voter are encouraged to submit their requests at least 45 days before the election.
  • The deadline to register to vote is 15 days before an election. If you are not already registered to vote in County of Santa Clara and you want your FPCA to also be your voter registration form, you must submit it at least 15 days before the election.
  • If you are already registered to vote in County of Santa Clara, the deadline to request a ballot by mail is 7 days before an election. 

How do I return my ballot?

  • Your ballot packet will include a special return envelope that requires no postage if returned by United States mail (including diplomatic and military post office).
  • Faxed ballots and ballots returned in-person must be received by 8 pm on Election Day (Pacific Time). Ballots that are sent by mail or a bona fide private delivery company must be postmarked or time stamped on or before Election Day and be received no later than ​7 days after Election Day.
  • If you are a military or overseas voter living outside of the U.S. or you are called to military service within the U.S. less than 7 days before an election, you can return your ballot by fax to 1-408-293-6002. You must sign and include the fax cover sheet that was included in your ballot packet.

What if I never received my ballot?

Where can I get additional help?