The US midterm elections are approaching, with the first mail ballots due to be sent out in the coming weeks.
But many Americans in Europe are unsure of what to expect, as a result of President Donald Trump’s executive order limiting mail-in voting.
Concerns for overseas Americans
The March 2026 executive order, “Ensuring citizenship verification and integrity in federal elections”, says that each state must create a list of US citizens over 18 at least 60 days before the upcoming federal election.
It also prohibits USPS from transmitting mail-in ballots from individuals not listed and requires the use of “unique ballot identifiers” on envelopes.
In addition to criticism regarding the constitutionality of the executive order, voting rights groups worry overseas voters would be at risk of being wrongfully excluded from voter lists, despite the fact that their right to vote is protected by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.
The non-partisan U.S. Vote Foundation wrote in a press release 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.
“These new requirements risk making it impossible for many of these voters to successfully cast a ballot.”
What does this mean for the midterm elections?
Several democratic states and voter rights groups have challenged the executive order, but earlier this week the US Supreme Court paved the way for its implementation.
The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that it was too early for courts to assess the legality of the executive order.
The legal battle will undoubtedly continue to make its way in the lower courts, eventually landing back in front of the Supreme Court, particularly now that USPS has published its plans to comply with the executive order.
In terms of the upcoming midterm elections, USPS has said it will not deliver mail-in ballots without state citizen lists and specially formatted envelopes, according to reporting by the Associated Press.
Where does this leave Americans in Europe?
As the lawsuits are still ongoing, it is too early to say whether the executive order will be implemented.
In the meantime, Americans in Europe can take a few steps. You can start by going to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website to find out your state’s guidelines, as well as the election deadlines.
Voter activist groups, like Vote from Abroad, advise requesting your ballot by email instead of by mail. They also recommend using a backup ballot – you can read about how to request one here.
If you have any questions, you can still contact the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) via email at [email protected] or by telephone at 0800-917-304 (toll-free from France).
