The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) has become aware of reports that some overseas voters are unable to access their state’s online voter registration and election systems. This is primarily due to states blocking web traffic from foreign countries in an effort to increase the cybersecurity of their online systems.

Since the General Election on Nov. 6 is less than 30 days away, FVAP encourages overseas voters to return their voted ballot now. If the state website to register to vote or access your ballot cannot be reached, contact your state’s election office for help. Also, FVAP.gov is always available to voters regardless of global location. The FVAP.gov site includes contact information for local election officials, registration and voting deadlines for all states, as well as a list of international toll-free numbers that can be used to contact FVAP. You can also email vote@fvap.gov.

If you have already requested but have not received a state ballot or cannot access your state website to download your ballot, go to FVAP.gov and use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), which all states accept as an official backup ballot for federal offices. FVAP offers an interactive online tool that helps you fill out the FWAB. It saves time and improves accuracy by using your registration address to list all candidates for federal offices for that jurisdiction. After filling out the backup ballot, you must print, sign and send it to your election office using the instructions provided.

If you receive your state ballot after submitting the FWAB, you may vote and return the state ballot as well. The state will only count one ballot if both are received by the deadline.

FVAP is working with states to determine how to best address cybersecurity concerns while ensuring access to key election information and processes for our military, their families, and overseas citizens.

If you'd like more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program or need help with the absentee voting process, please visit FVAP.gov for live chat assistance; call FVAP at 1-800-438-VOTE or DSN at (425) 1584 (CONUS)/(312) 425-1584 (OCONUS); or email vote@fvap.gov. Service members: Remember, you also can contact your unit or installation voting assistance officers. And don’t forget to “like” on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DoDFVAP and follow @FVAP on Twitter.