How US Citizens in Luxembourg Can Vote in US General Election

With exactly two months to go before the 2022 United States (US) General Election on 8 November, American citizens from around the world (including Luxembourg) are gearing up to vote.

Chronicle.lu recently spoke to the Consular Officer at the US Embassy in Luxembourg, Kendra Arbaiza-Sundal, to find out how overseas US citizens, including those in Luxembourg, can safely and securely vote.

“The process starts by filling out the FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) at FVAP.gov to register and request a ballot. This can be sent in by mail or, in most states, by email”, Ms Arbaiza-Sundal explained. She highlighted that US citizens should register and vote in the state and county where they last established residence (domicile) in the US before moving outside of the country.

“It is important to be aware that although the general election date is 8 November 2022, every state has a different deadline for ballot requests, registration, and return. These deadlines can be checked on the FVAP.gov website”, Ms Arbaiza-Sundal noted.

In terms of next steps and timelines, after a voter has applied for an absentee ballot and that application has been verified, election offices are required to send absentee ballots at least 45 days before a federal election. For the general election, ballots should be received by early October.

Ms Arbaiza-Sundal highlighted that all voters are encouraged to send back their ballots as soon as they are received and make sure they know their deadline based on their state. The recommended overseas vote-by day for the 8 November general election is 24 October 2022.

“Whether you are in Luxembourg or elsewhere overseas, your voice is important, so make sure it is heard”, Ms. Arbaiza-Sundal encouraged US citizens in Luxembourg to vote.

FAQs

Can I register to vote at the US Embassy in Luxembourg?

No, you must register, request a ballot and vote directly with your home state, territory or jurisdiction. FVAP.gov has information and instructions for each state to help you.

What if I never lived in the US?

Some states allow US citizens who have never resided in the US to use a parent’s voting residence as their own. Please see: https:/www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter/reside

Can I email my ballot?

Only email your form if your state will accept it this way. After printing and signing your form, scan and attach it to an email addressed to your election office. Do NOT send your form to an embassy or consulate.

What happens if I requested a ballot, but have not received it?

You can contact your election office to ask about the status of your ballot request. If there is not enough time to receive and send back your ballot before the election, use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), which works like a backup ballot.

Where can I address questions concerning voting from Luxembourg?

Send an email to: VoteLuxembourg@state.gov

How can I stay informed of the latest information?

Subscribe to emails from vote@fvap.gov for updates and reminders or follow FVAP on Twitter (@FVAP), Instagram (@fvapgov), or Facebook (@DODFVAP). Moreover, the FVAP website is a centralised repository for voter assistance and education so check out FVAP.gov for any further questions.