Voting method

Public Law 14-76; as amended by Public Law 14-98; 15-02 and 16-31. For sub-national elections, see Chuuk Code; Kosrae State Code; Yap State Code. 

Section 601(3): “An absentee voter may vote by absentee ballot in one of the following ways:

(a) by mail; […]

(d) by voting at a special Polling Place; or

(e) by voting at a traveler Polling Place” (as amended by PL 14-98):

Voters must complete an absentee vote request: s601(5).  Absentee vote requests may be sent via embassies or consulates in foreign countries. Ballots may also be collected and returned via an embassy or consulate: Section 602(1)c. (as amended by PL 16-31):

The legislation provides for the establishment of 2 special polling places in overseas (US) territory: one in Guam, and one in Honolulu.  The legislation expressly prohibits the establishment of any further special polling places abroad: Section 605(2). (as amended by PL 15-02).

Sub-National Elections

At the sub-national level, voting from abroad arrangements are in place for at least 3 of the 4 states of FSM, usually by postal vote, but also at special polling places in the State of Yap.

Chuuk Code, Title 13 ‘Elections,’ Chapter 6 'Election Day Procedures’ Articles 1532, 1533 and 1538.  

Kosrae State Code, Title 3 ‘Suffrage and Elections,’ Part II ‘Elections,’ Chapter 16 ‘Absentee Voting,’ Sections 3.1601, 3.1603, and 3.1604.  

Yap State Code, Title 7, ‘Elections,’ Chapter 7, ‘Absentee Voters,’ Articles 701-707.  

Deadlines apply for absentee vote requests. Requests must be received by the Director more than 40 days before the election: Section 602(2) (see PL16-31).  It is possible that voting from abroad arrangements may be in place in the State of Pohnpei.  However, note that the laws of the State of Pohnpei are not available online.