U.S. citizens voting abroad

Steve Hurtado

Convio is tied to the restrictions our elected representative's webforms have. Nearly all require a valid U.S. address with a valid U.S. zip code. U.S. citizens voting abroad should use their last U.S. address before leaving for out of the country.

Here are some Myths and Facts about U.S. citizens voting abroad.

MYTH: "I can't vote. I don't have a US address anymore."

FACT: Regardless of how long you have lived outside the U.S., you always retain the right to vote in US Federal elections. Your legal voting address is the last place you resided prior to departing the US. (If you have never lived in the US, many states will allow you to vote using the legal voting address of one of your American parents. Check with local authorities.)

MYTH: "I don't need to register. I already did it last time."

FACT: Voters living abroad should request a ballot every election year. Yes, there is a recent Federal law stating that a single ballot request should be valid for four years. And there are some exceptions, like California which permits "permanent absentee" registration. But, overseas voting is administered by 3,000 local authorities across the country, each with its own understanding of the law. Better safe than sorry-send a new ballot request each election year.

MYTH: "They don't even count overseas ballots."

FACT: Absolutely 100% false. By law, every properly executed absentee ballot must be counted before a final vote count can be certified. If the number of outstanding ballots-overseas or otherwise-is smaller than the difference between two candidates, a winner may be called before every last vote has been tallied. But all outstanding ballots are counted prior to certification.

MYTH: "If I vote from abroad, the IRS will hassle me."

FACT: Voting in US Federal elections does not alone affect the determination of tax residence. You will not hear from the IRS because you voted in a Federal election, i.e. President, Senate or House of Representatives. (Note: Voting in state and local elections can potentially affect state and local tax status. If you have concerns, seek expert advice before voting in state or local elections.)

MYTH: "Voting from abroad is so complicated."

FACT: This used to be true. But now, US citizens can complete the entire process of requesting an overseas absentee ballot-and spread the word to friends and colleagues-in just a few minutes at www.VoteFromAbroad.org .