Military and/or Overseas Absentee Voting

Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer
Randy R. Schreifels

Minnesota residents temporarily residing outside the U.S. qualify for local, state and Federal office ballots.

Minnesota residents residing outside of the US indefinitely qualify for Federal office ballots only.


You can apply to vote absentee with the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) if you qualify under one of the following:

  • Overseas Civilian US Citizens, (Defined as residents of Minnesota residing outside of the US either temporarily or indefinitely)
  • Members of the Uniformed Services and their dependents who are also U.S. citizens and residents of Minnesota. (Defined as U.S. Armed Forces, merchant marines and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Services and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).


To Obtain a FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) for each person who will be voting by absentee:

  • Download the FPCA
  • Contact the overseas vote foundation
  • Members of the Uniformed Services can contact your Unit/Organization Voting Assistance Officer (VAO) for assistance.  If you do not know who this is, ask your chain of command for assistance.

Complete the FPCA following the FPCA instructions:

  • Be sure information is legible.
  • Item 5 is not required.
  • When signing the application, you are swearing, or affirming the information you are providing is true and correct.

Fax or mail your completed FPCA to your county auditor as soon as possible.

Postal Address: Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer's Office
705 Courthouse Square, Rm 148
St. Cloud, MN 56303

Toll-free DSN 223-5527
Fax Number: (320) 656-3916

Ballots will issued to you 45 days before each election or after the receipt of your FPCA (if it is received less than 45 days before Election Day). A postage paid return envelope will be included with your mailed ballot. Ballots must be received before the polls close on Election Day so return your ballot ASAP. Voted Ballots will not be accepted if faxed.

Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer's Office
705 Courthouse Square, Room 148
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Fax (320)656-3916

If you have applied for but have not received your state ballot, request a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot from your Embassy/Consulate/VAO or online

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  Can someone else fill out the FPCA for me?

A:  Yes, the FPCA can be completed and submitted for a Uniformed Service member or dependent by their immediate family member (spouse, parent, sister, brother, or child over 18 years of age). The family member must sign the signature line with their name and state their relationship to you, the applicant.

Q: What should I do if I don't receive my absentee ballot in a timely manner?

A: Request a Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot from your VAO or download it and mail it to Stearns County Auditor/Treasurer's Office. The voter must have already applied for an Absentee ballot.

Q: How can I get in touch with you?

A: Telephonic Assistance: DSN 223-5527 or

FAX: (320) 656-3916
Email: elections
Web site: www.co.stearns.mn.us

Q: How can I expedite the process or returning by ballot?

A: Use a commercial service requested by and paid for by the voter. Election ballots cannot be returned by fax or email.

Bars to Registration and Voting

For both Military and Overseas; convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored, persons under court-ordered guardianship of the person without voting rights, or those declared legally incompetent may not vote.

Upon denial of your voter registration application or absentee ballot request, Minnesota shall provide you with the reason(s) for the rejection.