Many overseas Americans are unaware that they can vote in the Federal Midterm Election. Some don’t think their vote even matters, or that it is too hard. 

Did you know in the 2014 Midterm Election, Israel was the 4th country outside of America where Americans voted?  According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) survey presented to the President, Congress, and Senate, Americans voted from Canada, UK, France, Israel, and Japan.

YOU are eligible to vote: if you are a U.S. citizen, over 18 years on election day, and not disqualified by your state.

Midterm elections in 2018 will decide the composition and balance of power within Congress. All 435 seats in the United States House of Representatives and 33 of the 100 seats in the United States Senate will be contested.

What determines if you are an “overseas” or “domestic” voter, and does it make a difference? 

On your Absentee Ballot Request, if you check the box, “I am a U.S. Citizen living outside the country, and my return is uncertain,” then you are an “overseas voter” and can only vote in Federal Elections for Congress, Senate, and President.   “Domestic voters”, who live overseas, and intend to return are eligible to vote for Federal, State, and City.

Voting from overseas is very easy.  Each state has their own voting laws, so it is important to make sure you follow your state’s regulations. 

In fact, 38 states allow children born overseas, and never lived in American to vote.  Twenty-two states allow email of ballots.  For registered voters, fifteen states allow a voter to “Vote in Honor of a Veteran”.

You can fill out an Absentee Ballot Request online.  Just fill out, save, print, sign, and return to your state according to instructions.  

By voting, you can HIRE or FIRE elected officials.  The choice is yours, shall you speak up or allow others to speak for you? 

If you have any questions, please contact me, Andee Goldman, at votingfromabroad@gmail.com   www.overseasvotefoundation.org/vote/home.htm