U.S. citizens in Guatemala who intend to vote by absentee ballot in the November 3 general election should mail in their ballots by October 2.
However, if you don’t receive your regular absentee ballot in time to send it back by the deadline, you can still vote with the Federal Absentee Write-in Ballot (FWAB).
Using the FWAB is easy. Just follow these steps:
- If you have not already requested your ballot, visit https://www.fvap.gov to complete and send your ballot request form (the Federal Post Card Application or FPCA).
- Visit https://www.fvap.gov/fwab-privacy-notice and follow the prompts to fill in the Federal Absentee Write-In Ballot.
- Follow the instructions to download your completed FWAB and Instructions. You will receive additional guidance on emailing, faxing or mailing the FWAB.
- Print out the completed FWAB and follow the instructions for submitting the required materials to your Local Election Office.
Return the FWAB by Mail: If your state requires you to return your FWAB by postal mail, please follow these instructions carefully:
Two envelopes are required:
- “Ballot Security Envelope”, to hold your completed FWAB ballot, and;
- “Mailing Envelope”, to send in your sealed Ballot Security Envelope as well as the supporting materials with your identifying information.
You must include U.S. postage, or print off a pre-paid postage envelope from fvap.gov/eo/overview/materials/forms to ensure delivery to the proper local election authorities.
Voting material can be mailed directly to the Embassy through Cargo Expreso or Guatex, or dropped off at the screening booth of the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, located at the corner of 7 Street “A” and 1 Avenue in Zone 10. The hours of acceptance are from 07:00 a.m. to 02:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. Please maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and stay home if you are sick.
If you receive your official ballot after submitting your FWAB, you may complete and return your official ballot as well. Only one ballot per person will be counted. If both your FWAB and your official ballot arrive before the deadline, federal law provides that only your official ballot will be counted and your FWAB will be discarded.
If you have any questions about registering to vote overseas, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City at VoteGuatemala@state.gov.
Remember, your vote counts!
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Guatemala City
https://gt.usembassy.gov
Tel. (502) 2326-4000
Amcitsguatemala@state.gov - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page
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