Key Changes to Mail-in Voting for Americans in Europe Ahead of Midterms

London, United Kingdom Aug 29, 2026 ALN: The US midterm elections are approaching, with the first mail ballots due to be sent out in the coming weeks. As a critical period for American democracy, midterm elections often serve as a referendum on the sitting president's performance and can significantly influence the balance of power in Congress. However, many Americans living in Europe are unsure of what to expect regarding their ability to participate in this electoral process, particularly in light of President Donald Trump's executive order limiting mail-in voting.

Concerns for Overseas Americans

The March 2026 executive order, titled "Ensuring citizenship verification and integrity in federal elections," mandates that each state must create a comprehensive list of US citizens over the age of 18 at least 60 days before the upcoming federal election. This requirement has raised alarms among voting rights advocates, as it places an additional burden on voters living abroad, who may not have a permanent address in their home state and may face challenges in being included on these lists.

Furthermore, the executive order prohibits the United States Postal Service (USPS) from transmitting mail-in ballots from individuals not listed on these state citizen lists. This means that if an overseas voter is not included on their state's list, they may be barred from voting altogether. The order also introduces requirements for the use of "unique ballot identifiers" on envelopes, which adds another layer of complexity to the voting process for Americans abroad.

Critics of the executive order highlight concerns regarding its constitutionality and the potential disenfranchisement of overseas voters. Voting rights groups worry that these new regulations could lead to wrongful exclusions from voter lists, despite the protections afforded to overseas voters under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). This federal law ensures that U.S. citizens living abroad, including military personnel and their families, have the right to vote and receive their ballots in a timely manner.

The non-partisan U.S. Vote Foundation issued a press release stating that the executive order "threatens U.S. citizens living overseas and uniformed service members, whose already time-sensitive voting process depends on efficient mail systems." They further stressed that these new requirements risk making it impossible for many of these voters to successfully cast a ballot, which could lead to significant disenfranchisement during a pivotal electoral period.

What Does This Mean for the Midterm Elections?

In response to the executive order, several Democratic-leaning states and voter rights organizations have mounted legal challenges against its implementation. However, in a recent decision, the US Supreme Court ruled that it was premature for lower courts to assess the legality of the executive order, thus paving the way for its enforcement. This ruling has left many overseas voters in a state of uncertainty as they prepare for the upcoming midterm elections.

The legal battle surrounding the executive order is expected to continue, with cases likely to progress through the lower courts and eventually return to the Supreme Court. This ongoing litigation adds to the complexity of the voting landscape for Americans living abroad, particularly as the USPS has announced its plans to comply with the new requirements set forth in the executive order. According to reports from the Associated Press, USPS has indicated that it will not deliver mail-in ballots without the state citizen lists and specially formatted envelopes mandated by the order.

Where Does This Leave Americans in Europe?

As the lawsuits surrounding the executive order continue to unfold, it remains uncertain whether the order will be fully implemented in time for the midterm elections. For Americans in Europe, this ambiguity creates an urgent need for action to ensure their voting rights are protected. In the meantime, there are several steps that overseas voters can take to prepare for the upcoming elections.

First and foremost, Americans living in Europe are encouraged to visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website. This resource provides essential information regarding state-specific guidelines, registration processes, and election deadlines. Each state has its own rules governing absentee voting, and understanding these regulations is crucial for ensuring that ballots are requested and submitted correctly.

Voter advocacy groups, such as Vote from Abroad, recommend that overseas voters request their ballots by email rather than through traditional mail. This method can expedite the process and help mitigate potential delays caused by international mail services. Additionally, voters are advised to utilize backup ballots, which can provide an alternative means of casting a vote should complications arise with the primary ballot.

For those who have questions or require assistance, the FVAP remains a valuable resource. Americans in Europe can reach out to the FVAP via email or by telephone at 0800-917-304, which is toll-free from France. This support can be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the voting process and ensuring that overseas citizens are able to exercise their right to vote.

As the midterm elections draw near, the implications of the executive order and the ongoing legal challenges will undoubtedly shape the voting experience for Americans abroad. The outcome of these developments will not only affect individual voters but could also have broader repercussions for the integrity of the electoral process and the participation of overseas citizens in future elections. With the stakes high, it is essential for Americans living in Europe to stay informed and proactive in their efforts to cast their votes this election season.