Military/Overseas Voter

The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) provides the voting opportunity to:
  • All active U.S. military,
  • Merchant Marines,
  • Other uniformed services,
  • Eligible family members, and
  • U.S. citizens overseas.*

Under this program, Illinois law waives voter registration requirements, but the Lake County Clerk’s office must receive your FPCA ballot request no later than 10 days before an election. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) provides non-partisan information and assistance in the voting process.

To vote by mail:
  • Complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)
  • Submit the form by fax, email, or U.S. Postal Service to the Lake County Clerk’s office no later than 10 days before Election Day.
Your ballot may be sent to you no sooner than 45 days before the election.
military voter
 Eiffel Tower
*“Citizens of the United States temporarily residing outside the territorial limits of the United States” means civilian citizens of the United States, spouses, and dependents of voting age when residing with or accompanying them who maintain a precinct residence in a county in this state and whose intent to return may be ascertained.

“Non-Resident Civilian Citizens” means civilian citizens of the United States
(a) who reside outside the territorial limits of the United States,
(b) who had maintained a precinct residence in a county in this state immediately prior to their departure from the United States,
(c) who do not maintain a residence and are not registered to vote in any other State, and
(d) whose intent to return to this State may be uncertain.

Questions?