The 2026 U.S. general election takes place on November 3, 2026. Every vote matters, whether you are in the United States or living abroad. U.S. citizens overseas can participate by requesting and returning an absentee ballot.
Here is how to vote from Italy in the 2026 U.S. election.
1. Request your absentee ballot
Complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). Submitting the FPCA allows eligible overseas voters to request absentee ballots for federal elections, including elections for the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, as well as primaries and special elections held during the calendar year.
All local election officials in U.S. states and territories accept the FPCA. You can complete it online using the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s FPCA online assistant.
The assistant will provide instructions specific to your state. When permitted, request electronic delivery of your blank ballot by email, internet download or fax. Include your email address on the FPCA to use this option.
Return the FPCA according to your state’s instructions. The online assistant will tell you whether your state accepts it electronically or requires a paper copy with an original ink signature.
States are required to send absentee ballots at least 45 days before a federal election. For the November 3 election, this falls on September 19, 2026. Many states also allow you to check your registration and ballot status online.
2. Complete and return your ballot
Follow the instructions accompanying your ballot carefully. Return methods and deadlines vary by state.
Some states permit completed ballots to be returned electronically, while others require paper ballots. Choose your state on FVAP.gov to check its current deadlines and return requirements.
If your state requires a paper ballot, you can return it through the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate free of charge. Place it in a postage-paid return envelope—or an envelope bearing sufficient domestic U.S. postage—and address it to the appropriate local election officials.
Allow enough time for the ballot to reach the United States before your state’s deadline.
3. Research candidates and issues
Visit the FVAP links and resources page for resources that can help you research candidates and election issues.
FVAP also shares information about election dates and deadlines through its Voting Alerts. Email vote@fvap.gov to subscribe, or follow FVAP on Facebook and X.
For further information, visit the official Federal Voting Assistance Program website.
Voting assistance in Italy
If you have questions about registering or voting from overseas, contact the U.S. Embassy or your nearest U.S. consulate.
U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto, 121
Telephone: +39 06 46741
Email: VoteRome@state.gov
Website: U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy
U.S. Consulate General Florence
Telephone: +39 055 266 951
Email: VoteFlorence@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Milan
Telephone: +39 02 290 351
Email: VoteMilan@state.gov
U.S. Consulate General Naples
Telephone: +39 081 583 8111
Email: VoteNAPLES@state.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs
Telephone: 888 407 4747 or +1 202 501 4444
Read the State Department’s Italy Country Information.
U.S. citizens can also enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and messages from the U.S. Mission to Italy.
Remember, your vote counts!
This information was provided by the U.S. Mission to Italy and the Federal Voting Assistance Program. Election deadlines and ballot-return methods vary by state and may change. Always verify the latest requirements for your state on FVAP.gov before submitting voting materials.
