Alaska permits a narrow class of U.S. citizens born abroad who have never resided in the country to vote in federal elections if they can connect their eligibility to a parent's or guardian’s last U.S. address in the state.
Who can vote under this rule
Under guidance from the Department of Defense’s Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP), states may provide a path for so-called “never-resided” citizens — typically people born overseas to American parents who themselves never established U.S. residence — to register and vote absentee. Alaska is among the states that offer such an avenue.
- Who qualifies: U.S. citizens born abroad who never lived in the United States, when a parent or legal guardian was last domiciled in Alaska.
- What they can vote for: Only federal offices — President and Vice President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House.
- What they cannot vote for: Alaska state or local offices.
How the process works
Eligible voters use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), available through FVAP.gov and Alaska’s Division of Elections. The FPCA serves as both the registration and absentee-ballot request. Voters who use the FPCA must re-request a ballot for each election cycle; FVAP guidance in mid-2025 indicated many overseas voters request ballots annually. Ballots are sent by mail and are subject to Alaska’s absentee deadlines, which require timely receipt.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible offices | President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House |
| Application used | Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) |
| Number of states with similar rules | 38 states + D.C. (per FVAP mid-2025 guidance) |
Why this matters in Alaska
The policy affects a distinct subset of citizens with family ties to the state but no personal residential history here. For election officials, it adds a layer of verification: the parent or guardian must have had a genuine prior domicile in Alaska. For voters and campaigns, it means ballots can be cast in federal contests by people who may otherwise have no direct connection to the state's ongoing civic life.
The practice has become part of a broader national conversation. Laws that allow never-resided citizens to vote have prompted lawsuits in several states and renewed appeals to Congress to consider a uniform standard. Advocates for change argue consistency is needed across states; defenders say states have longstanding legal authority to set eligibility rules within federal parameters.
Practical information for Alaskans and overseas relatives
Alaskans with children born abroad, or relatives advising such voters, should be aware of the following:
- Use the FPCA at FVAP.gov or the Alaska Division of Elections website to register and request an absentee ballot.
- Ballot requests must be renewed as required — typical FVAP practice treats many overseas voters as re-requesting periodically.
- Ballots are mailed and must meet Alaska’s receipt deadlines for each election.
Federal law continues to bar noncitizens from voting in federal contests; the debate concerns only U.S. citizens born abroad who lack a U.S. residence history. As litigation and legislative interest develop elsewhere, Alaska election administrators and voters with ties abroad will be watching whether Congress or the courts alter the patchwork of state practices.
— Nora Kallio, Alaska correspondent
