The United States Embassy in Havana explained this Tuesday the steps that U.S. citizens in Cuba must follow to participate from the island in the 2026 elections through absentee voting.
In a message posted on its social media, the diplomatic mission reminded that the deadlines for voter registration vary by state and that some require registration to be completed up to 30 days before an election.
The notice is directed at Americans living or temporarily residing abroad who wish to exercise their right to vote.
To do this, you must complete the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
The embassy recommended submitting that form every year, even for those who have previously used absentee voting from abroad, to ensure their participation in all federal elections scheduled for that calendar.
The process can be conducted through the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), whose platform allows you to complete the FPCA in accordance with the specific requirements of the state where the voter is registered.
Once completed and signed, citizens will be able to submit the form at the United States Embassy in Havana, which will handle sending it free of charge to the appropriate electoral authorities in the United States.
To do this, it will be necessary to request an appointment in advance via the email ACSHavana@state.gov.
Another option is to personally take the document to the United States or send it through other means, although in those cases the expenses will be the responsibility of the voter.
The diplomatic representation also explained that those who have already submitted an FPCA during 2026 should check the status of their application through their state's election page or by directly contacting their local election office.
Federal legislation stipulates that electoral authorities must send ballots to voters covered by overseas voting regulations at least 45 days before a federal election.
The FVAP also recommends returning them well in advance due to international mail delivery times.
In the case of Cuba, the Embassy warned that the transfer of electoral documentation to the United States may take up to 30 days, urging recipients to complete and return the ballots as soon as they are received.
Completed ballots can also be submitted at the embassy to be sent free of charge to the local electoral authorities.
The documents must have sufficient U.S. postage or be placed in the prepaid envelopes available through the FVAP.
The general elections this year will be held on November 3, 2026 and correspond to the so-called United States midterm elections.
In these elections, there is no presidential choice; instead, the 435 seats in the House of Representatives and approximately one-third of the Senate will be at stake.
In addition to the federal elections, depending on the state, there will be elections for governors, state legislatures, and other state and local offices.
The embassy's notice aims to facilitate U.S. citizens currently in Cuba to participate in the elections without the need to return to the country just to vote.
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