The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi issued an advisory urging U.S. citizens living in Kenya to register and request absentee ballots early for the upcoming November 3 midterm elections, according to a statement released on Wednesday, September 16, as reported by Kenyans.co.ke. The embassy noted that the voting season is officially underway and emphasized that registration deadlines vary by individual state requirements. Certain states mandate that voters be registered 30 days before the election, prompting officials to remind Americans abroad to comply with specific local guidelines.
U.S. Embassy Issues Advisory for Overseas Voters
Demographic estimates and census data indicate that an estimated 13,000 to 14,000 U.S. citizens reside in Kenya as permanent or long-term residents. Comprehensive census data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics recorded 13,781 American citizens living in the country, with over 9,000 of those residents eligible to participate in U.S. elections.
Using the Federal Postcard Application
U.S. citizens living outside the United States can participate in elections through absentee voting by meeting corresponding electoral requirements, as detailed by El Cronista. Whether individuals are voting for the first time or have previously voted absentee, citizens are advised to complete a Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Request using the Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) every year to maintain overseas absentee voting status.
The FPCA allows voters to register and request an absentee ballot in a single step, covering all federal elections held that year, from primaries and run-offs to the November general election. Applicants complete the form online through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), indicate their U.S. voting address—typically the last place they lived before moving abroad—and submit the application according to state instructions. For individuals born outside the United States who never lived in the country, voting eligibility depends on the rules of the state where their parents or legal guardians last lived.
Deadlines and State Document Requirements
Specific documentation and registration rules depend entirely on each state’s electoral laws. To complete registration, states typically request data to verify identity and establish the U.S. voting address, with a driver’s license or state ID commonly accepted. For individuals lacking those documents, some states permit alternative proof, and a voter registration card is not a mandatory requirement.
For college students studying abroad, such as those participating in study abroad programs at Elon University, navigating elections from overseas involves similar procedures. The Center for U.S. Voters Abroad launched an organization in 2024 called Project Turnout to help college students stay politically active while abroad. Project Turnout follows federal guidelines regarding deadlines for requesting and submitting ballots.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program advises overseas voters to submit ballots as soon as possible, with the recommended vote-by day set for October 21. Ballots will not be counted unless they are received by November 3, requiring voters to account for mail transit times and local processing based on their individual voting style. Applicants providing their information online receive email follow-ups and electronic ballots approximately 45 days before election day.