Return your ballot
If you have received your ballot, follow the instructions to submit it as soon as you can. If your state allows you to cast your ballot electronically, we recommend that you do so ASAP.
- If you cannot cast your ballot electronically, the fastest method is to mail your completed, signed and dated ballot directly to the local election officials in your state using the UK postal system. Your local post office will be able to advise you about the quickest postage option.
- You can choose to use a private courier service, but this will cost more.
- You can drop off your ballot at the U.S. Consulate in Bermuda. This is a free service. However, it is important for you to understand that this will take longer. Mail sent using the diplomatic pouch must go to a U.S. sorting office before it can be sent on to the relevant election officials using the U.S. postal system. You would need to place your ballot in either a postage paid envelope or an envelope addressed to your state’s election officials with U.S. stamps sufficient for delivery once your ballot arrives in the United States. The estimated time from dropping off the ballot to it entering the U.S. postal system is seven to ten days.
Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the possibilities of postal delays, we recommend that you choose an electronic option if possible, or submit your ballot or FPCA using the Bermuda postal system as quickly as possible.
All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as they are valid and reach local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt deadline, which is after the election date in some states.