How to Vote from Abroad for US Citizens Guide

Let’s talk elections; if you haven’t heard yet, the Federal election is happening this year. However, this is not the only year you can vote from abroad; in fact, elections are happening all the time. Even as a person living abroad, you can still vote in any election, whether it’s federal, state, or even local. Voting is your constitutional right as an American, even if you live a million miles away.

What is absentee voting?

When you’re living abroad, and you want to vote in the US elections then you have to go the process of absentee voting. This is where you register online and claim your vote from abroad. You do not need to travel to the US to cast your vote.

As an American living abroad, your vote as a US citizen is still just as important and valid as that of anyone living in the US. Even if it seems like a hassle, your vote determines your treatment as an expat living abroad. Therefore, don’t ignore your duty, even if it’s a bit more work.

However, as much as it’s advised to vote, it is not mandatory like taxes. Voting will remain a right to any US citizen, but not an obligation.

Registration

There will be no voting if you don’t start with registration. It’s not an automatic system, so in order to vote in the 2024 elections, you have three options. You could register online using the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, your state’s official website, or you could contact the US embassy in your country. 

Depending on which state you’re coming from, you maybe able to register and request your absentee ballot simultaneously. If you get your ballot online or by mail, it doesn’t matter, it just matters that you receive your ballot. 

Receiving and Returning the Ballot

Once you’ve received your absentee ballot, carefully follow the instructions for completing and returning it. A critical step usually involves mailing it back to your local election office. Therefore, be mindful of deadlines for requesting and returning your ballot, as they vary by state, you could be looking at 7-20 days before the elections. It’s always good to vote early, but that could also be a hassle as some states make it so you cannot vote too early.  

With election deadlines, you must look online usually with your state to know exactly when you need to cast ballot as an absentee voter, aka US expat.

Ensuring your ballot counts!

There are few steps which can be to consider before casting your ballot caster from abroad. You may want to think about:

• Researching Candidates: To start, you need to be sure about which candidate you’d like to choose. This can be done by using party related outlets such as Democrats Abroad or Republicans Overseas or looking for independent, reliable sources. Research the candidates afterward, ensuring that your ballot is the correct candidate.
• Ensuring Your Vote is Counted: It cannot be emphasized enough, double, triple checking your ballot is filled out correctly with signatures or witness requirements. If you are required to send the ballot by mail, give yourself enough time to ship it and contact them to make sure they have received it.
• Maintaining Contact Information: Keep your contact information updated with your local election office to ensure you receive important notifications and updates regarding your voting status and any changes to voting procedures.
• Understanding State-Specific Rules: Each state has its own rules and deadlines regarding absentee voting, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for the state in.
• Seeking Assistance if Needed: If you encounter any challenges or have questions about the voting process from abroad, reach out to organizations such as the FVAP or your local embassy or consulate for assistance.

General versus Primary Elections

If you’re a bit unsure about how the elections process works, let’s break it down a bit. There is a multitude of opportunities to vote and have your candidate be the face of the republicans or democrats.

The process of voting for a representative is called the primary elections, which generally have different deadlines based on your state. The primary elections do not require you to be Republican or Democrat; you can vote on either side for whomever you like.

For the General Elections, this is the big one, the one which will determine who is your president for the next four years or your state senate. In 2024, your main candidates are Trump and Biden, but there are others who might be more in line with your values. Either way, if you choose to vote in this election, remember November 5, 2024, as this is when you must vote.

Keep in mind, when you go to cast your ballot from abroad, you may have to wait as early ballots may only be allowed 60-90 days before November 5.

Examples of States

Let’s take some of the more well-known states as examples. Given that there is 50 states, only four will have some necessary information. Although, for states not mentioned, if you’re struggling to find your state official website, you can always use the  FVAP absentee voting page to get your ballot.

California

The home of our CEO, Nathalie Goldstein, and Hollywood. If you’re from California, here’s what you should know about getting that absentee ballot cast. Before voting, as stated before, you need the ballot, which you can get from the California Secretary of State’s website.

Once requested and approved, casting your ballot can be as easy as an email or as annoying as mailing or faxing.

The most important part about your absentee ballot is that you must request it at least 7 days before the election – anything less will result in a rejection. All ballots need a postmark, which is just an official mark showing the place and date of mailing. They also must be received within 7 days after the election day to be counted.

Texas

Similar to California only with regard to the Texas Secretary of State’s website you need to submit your application for a ballot by mail. You will need to show proof of your residency. Whether that is your Texas ID card or your Social Security (there are also other options). You have to send the document at least 11 days before the election. If you would like, Texas also allows for you to send a ballot in via someone else.

New York

Imagine this: you need to go to the New York State Board of Elections website to request your ballot. You can register online to receive your ballot at your current address by registering as a new voter, or you can get someone else to oversee your ballot. You can designate one person to pick up and deliver your ballot on your behalf.

New York does not offer the option of voting via email. Therefore, once you get your ballot, you must cast it at least 7 days before election date – local, state, or federal. The ballot needs to have a postmark as well.

Why vote in a local or state election?

From abroad, it may not seem so important to vote in your state or local elections, but it could influence property and sales taxes. Local elections are unlikely to affect you a lot. Although, they could affect your friends and family, which is why it is important to vote in your local elections.

Voting in your state election is significant as states have the power to create policies which can affect more than just healthcare or education, it can affect your state tax returns as well. However, voting in state and local elections does not immediately make you liable for state taxes, as long as you remain nonresidents of that states.

Voting and taxes

As you read, voting is incredibly important as if can affect your US taxes as the candidates can change and create tax laws. A funny example is when Trump stated he’d make US tax returns the size of a postcard. He did it, but it was by splitting the whole form into multiple sections. These split sections may have had no affect on you, but you can see how your representative could easily influence taxes by voting.

Your vote matters, so get out there and make sure it counts!

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