Complete Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

If you requested an absentee ballot but have not yet received it, you can still vote by using the back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB).

In order to be eligible to use this back-up ballot, you must:

• You must be a registered voter; AND
• Have applied for a regular ballot so the request is received by your local election official by the State deadline; or 30 days before the general election; AND
• Have not received the requested regular absentee ballot from the State.

California allows you to use the FWAB for voting in primary, special, run-off, and general elections for Federal, State, and local offices and non-candidate ballot issues.

The FWAB may be used to register to vote if it is received no later than 15 days prior to the election. The FWAB may be used to request an absentee ballot as long as it is received no later than 7 days prior to the election. If received later than these dates, then the voter must already be registered and have already requested an absentee ballot.

Open Back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

What do I fill in?

Only the following blocks of the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation are required:

Block 1: California does allow you to use this form for registration.

Block 2: Select the category that describes you.

Block 3: Name (Last, First, Middle)

Block 4: Date of Birth

Enter your valid California Driver's License number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, OR your State voter registration number.

Block 5: Recommended but not required. Provide your contact information to allow your local election official to follow up if more information is required

Block 7: Complete street address of your California voting residence. A post office box is not sufficient. If your address includes a rural route, describe its location in Block 9. This address must be within the county where you claim legal voting residence.

Block 8: Enter your current mailing address.

Block 9: Provide any information that may assist the local election official in accepting this ballot or application.

Affirmation: Sign and date. No witness or notary required.

Once the ballot is complete, fold and place it in the security envelope and seal. Place only the voted ballot in the security envelope and do not write on the security envelope. Insert the sealed security envelope and the Voter's Declaration/Affirmation into the mailing envelope and seal.

Envelope Templates

Open Security Envelope Template

Open Postage-Paid Envelope Template

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The postage-paid envelope may be used in the U.S. postal system which includes: all U.S. Military Post Offices (APO/FPO) overseas or through the diplomatic pouch available at U.S. Embassies/Consulates

Mail

You must mail your back-up Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to your local election official. Find your county or city in the address list below to locate your election official.

Open Election Official Address List

Don't know your county? Go to the county finder. Don't know your zip code? Go to the United States Postal Service website.

Fax

Only overseas Uniformed Service members, their families or temporary overseas citizens may fax their ballot. If you choose to fax, it is recommended that you fax the form directly to your local election official (fax numbers can be found on California's State Election website). You may also use our toll-free fax service:

Inside the U.S.? Fax to:
1-800-368-8683
(703) 588-2148
DSN 425-2148

Outside the U.S.? Show me a list of toll-free fax numbers.

Open Fax Coversheet

(Opens in a new window and requires Adobe Reader 7)

• Want to submit your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot by fax? Remember that by faxing your voted ballot you are waiving your right to secrecy.
• If using our Electronic Transmission Service you must use the Fax Coversheet.
• If you receive your State absentee ballot after submitting your Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot, fill it out and return it. The State absentee ballot will be counted instead of the back-up ballot if it's received in time.
• You can track the status of your State or Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot at California's State Election website.