You may be one very expensive plane ride away, but living in the Netherlands doesn’t have to cut you off from US elections; here’s how to cast your vote absentee, from the comfort of your Dutch flat.
This guide covers the step-by-step process, timelines, and more, with information from the US Department of State.
If you’re an American in the Netherlands who still wants to cast your vote (and, perhaps, get rid of a certain orange somebody 👀), here’s what you need to know.
Am I eligible to vote in US elections from the Netherlands?
If you’re a US citizen aged 18 or older, you can vote absentee from the Netherlands.
What is an absentee vote? An “absentee vote” means you aren’t physically present to vote in an election, opting to send your vote via post or the internet instead.
You can typically get your absentee ballot by mail, email, fax, or by downloading it from the internet.
While exact rules may vary according to your state, absentee voting generally applies to federal office candidates in US primary and general elections. However, some states may allow you to vote for local and state office candidates.
If you’re looking for information on absentee voting in your state, you can visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program’s (FVAP) official guide.
Voting in US elections from the Netherlands: step-by-step guide
The process is fairly straightforward, so let’s walk you through it.
Step one: Register with your state’s election officials
To be eligible for an absentee ballot, you’ll first need to register with your state’s election officials. You’ll need to submit the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register with your state.
Running into any issues? Most US embassies, including the Consulate in the Netherlands, also have a copy of the form and will walk you through your state’s guidelines.
You can submit the FPCA via post, though most states will also allow you to fax or email it. This form also acts as an absentee ballot request.
Let op: You need to submit a new FPCA each year, every time you move, or whenever you change your address, email, or name.
Step two: Confirm your voter registration
Before you hand anything in, it’s best to confirm your voter registration number and whether you’re properly registered at your address in the Netherlands.
According to the US Department of State, you can “write, email, or call local election officials directly”.
USA.gov stresses that you should check your registration information before your state’s deadline, which is typically up to 30 days before the election.
Step three: Receive your blank ballot
In the month following your registration, you’ll want to keep an eye out for your blank absentee ballot.
You’ll typically receive it by email, fax, post, or online download, 45 days before the November elections.
If you’re voting in a primary, special, or run-off election, you’ll likely receive your ballot even sooner — around 30 days before the elections kick off.
Step four: Complete (and return!) your ballot before the deadline
Once you’ve completed your ballot, you’ve got a few options to return it:
- By post: If you’ve got sufficient time, you can send your completed ballot in via snail mail.
- Dropping it off at the US Embassy in the Netherlands: You can drop your ballot in the ballot box at the US Embassy, The Hague, John Adams Park 1, Wassenaar. However, only sealed and postage-paid ballots can be mailed, so ensure you do this first.
- Via fax, email, or an internet submission: Some US states allow you to submit electronic transmissions of completed ballots. Check the Voting Assistance Guide to see if that applies to your state.
- Using an express courier service: Running short on time, or worried that PostNL might lose your ballot? You can also opt to use an international courier service, like DHL or FedEx.
READ MORE | Postal services in the Netherlands: the 2026 guide
Just note, you’ll want to send your absentee ballot in well before your state’s submission deadline. If you’re worried you may overshoot the deadline, then opt for a courier service with fast international shipping.
No ballot yet? Get an emergency write-in ballot
If you’ve completed your voter registration and still don’t have a ballot 30 days before an election, you can submit a completed Federal Write-In Emergency Ballot (FWAB).
Here’s how to get yours:
- Contact the voting assistance officer at the US Consulate in the Netherlands (voteAmsterdam@state.gov), or
- Visit the FVAP website and complete the FWAB.
Should your absentee ballot arrive after you’ve completed the FWAB, the US Department of State stresses that you should complete and return it anyway.
Your FWAB is only counted if your absentee ballot doesn’t reach officials in time, so don’t worry about duplicate votes.
Have you voted in US elections from the Netherlands before? Share your experience in the comments below.
