The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, also known as UOCAVA, was enacted by Congress in 1986. UOCAVA requires that states and territories allow members of the uniformed services serving away from home, their family members, and U.S. citizens who are residing outside the country to register and vote absentee in federal elections. UOCAVA has been amended on several occasions, with the most recent major amendments in the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act of 2009. UOCAVA is codified at 52 U.S.C. 20301 to 20311 (formerly 42 U.S.C. 1973ff to 1973ff-7).
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The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, also known as UOCAVA, was enacted by Congress in 1986. UOCAVA requires that states and territories allow members of the uniformed services serving away from home, their family members, and U.S. citizens who are residing outside the country to register and vote absentee in federal elections. UOCAVA has been amended on several occasions, with the most recent major amendments in the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act of 2009. UOCAVA is codified at 52 U.S.C. 20301 to 20311 (formerly 42 U.S.C. 1973ff to 1973ff-7).
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Uniformed And Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act Of 1986 (uocava). In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 13, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/uniformed-and-overseas-citizens-absentee-voting-act-of-1986-uocava
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