Military & Overseas Voting

Federal Post Card Application Process

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request absentee ballots using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The signed FPCA may be returned by email or postal mail. The process is done by mail, but specific states may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact us for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals.

• Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). Please provide an email address or phone number in case we have questions regarding your application.

• Email the application to Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope (Lansing City Residents only) or mail to
  Lansing City Clerk’s Office
  701 W. Jolly Rd.
  Lansing MI 48910
  Please submit your FPCA as soon as possible.

• Your ballot will be sent to you at least 45 days before each election by email or postal mail according to your request. If your FPCA is received within 45 days of an election, your ballot will be sent within one business day. A ballot cannot be sent if your application is received after 2 p.m. on the Saturday before the election.

• Please vote and return your ballot as soon as possible. Your ballot must be returned by mail or courrier; Michigan law does not allow for electronic return of ballots. Military and overseas voter’s ballots are counted if they are postmarked by Election Day and received in our office by the 6th day after the election.

• If after submitting an FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, please contact us first. Then:

  • Vote by using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail the FWAB to to Lansing City Clerk’s Office
    701 W. Jolly Rd.
    Lansing MI 48910
  • If a voter mails a FWAB and then receives their regular AV ballot, they should still complete and mail the AV ballot. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.