Protect Voting Rights of US Citizens Living Abroad

At the last minute, the Pentagon changed a voter registration form used by U.S. citizens abroad — a move that could make it harder for eligible Americans to vote in the midterm election.

For years, the form included a checkbox for citizens who have never lived in the United States. The Pentagon used an emergency approval process to remove that box right as election deadlines are approaching.

Voting rights groups warn the change could make it harder for eligible Americans abroad to understand their rights, complete the form correctly, and receive a ballot in time to vote.

Tell Secretary Hegseth and the Federal Voting Assistance Program to restore clear voting access for Americans living abroad immediately.

No eligible voter should lose access to the ballot because federal officials changed a form at the last minute. Overseas voters already face major barriers, including distance, mail delays, confusing state rules, and tight deadlines. The government should be making voting easier to navigate — not removing language that helped people identify their eligibility.

Right now, states are preparing ballots while relying on information from federal forms. If the Department of Defense and FVAP do not act quickly, eligible citizens abroad could be discouraged from voting or forced to guess which category applies to them.

Add your name now to demand that Secretary Hegseth and the Federal Voting Assistance Program restore clear overseas voting access before U.S. citizens are disenfranchised.

The petition to Secretary Hegseth and the Federal Voting Assistance Program reads: "Restore Federal Post Card Application language for U.S. citizens abroad who have never lived in the United States, withdraw the last-minute emergency change, and issue clear guidance to state election officials so every eligible overseas voter can register, request a ballot, and vote without confusion or unnecessary barriers."