Thousands of Americans living in the United Kingdom are being urged to take steps early if they intend to participate in the 2026 US midterm elections, amid concerns over historically low turnout among overseas voters.
The UK is home to the second-largest population of voting-age US citizens outside America. Data cited by the Federal Voting Assistance Program estimated that about 298,268 voting-age Americans lived in Britain in 2022, but only 3.8 per cent voted in that year’s midterm elections.
US citizens living abroad generally retain the right to vote in federal elections, including elections for the House of Representatives and Senate. They can register and request absentee ballots using the Federal Post Card Application, although procedures and deadlines vary by state.
The process can involve several steps, including confirming a voting residence, submitting the required application and returning the ballot within the relevant deadline.
The issue has gained renewed attention ahead of the November 2026 midterms, with overseas voting rights remaining protected under federal law. Recent legal developments have also preserved access to absentee voting for Americans abroad.
For eligible voters in Britain, election authorities and overseas voting organisations recommend beginning the process well before polling day to allow time for registration, ballot delivery and return.
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