U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
November 1, 2022
With one week to go until the U.S. midterm elections, make sure your vote counts! Below are some frequently asked questions and information on submitting and tracking your ballot, including information on how to vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot if you registered but have not yet received your ballot.
I mailed my ballot, how do I know if it is received?
As the election approaches, one question we frequently receive is how absentee voters in Malaysia can check the status of their ballots. The best way to do so is to contact your district’s election office directly and inquire.
My ballot will not arrive on time, what now?
If you do not believe your ballot will reach your local election office by your state deadline, you may submit a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). If your state only accepts ballots by mail, we urge you to consider sending your FWAB via international courier rather than through the Embassy’s diplomatic pouch, to ensure that it arrives as quickly as possible. Below are some additional tips on using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot:
- Check your state’s guidelines for sending the FWAB. You may be able to mail, fax, or email your backup ballot.
- If your state allows you to fax or email the FWAB, use the Transmission Cover Sheet to protect the privacy of your materials.
- Sending the FWAB via mail: You can use any envelope to mail your FWAB. Print the postage-paid template from FVAP.gov onto any available blank envelope or print it and tape it to an envelope. Some states require you to place ballots and FWABs inside an anonymous security envelope (provided as part of the FWAB materials on FVAP.gov), so when sending your voting materials, make sure you have two envelopes; one for the ballot or FWAB and one for actual mailing. Place the security envelope along with the other balloting materials inside the mailing envelope. Once this is complete, you can address and send your voting materials to your election office. Review our website (https://my.usembassy.gov/
voting/) for information on mailing your ballot from Malaysia. - If you receive your official ballot after you’ve sent in a FWAB, you can still vote, sign, and send the official ballot by your state’s deadline as well. If both are received by your local election office, only one ballot will be counted.
- States may have tools to check ballot status. You can select your state at FVAP.gov and click “Check the status of your voted ballot” to be directed from the FVAP website and to your state’s page.
How can I fax my ballot? What if I don’t have a fax machine?
If your state allows voting by fax but not email, you can fax the FWAB directly to your district’s election office (find your district’s election office here); don’t forget to include the fax cover sheet. If your state allows you to vote by fax, but you don’t have access to a fax machine, don’t worry, FVAP has you covered. If you are unable send a fax and need assistance, you can email your FWAB ballot forms to fax@fvap.gov.
Still need help? You can get assistance from our Embassy Voting Assistance Officers by contacting KLACS@State.gov.