How Can NRIS Vote From Abroad And Its Process

Voting is the fundamental right an American citizen carries everywhere he goes. Wherever you are, you can vote. The60th quadrennial election is happening today! Those outside the country doubt if they can participate in choosing their leader. The answer is "YES". 

How Can NRIs Vote From Abroad?

You can cast your vote from abroad. This process is called absentee voting. It has been for a long time and if you are a student studying in Addis Ababa or stationed in Italy, don't worry. You can vote from where you are. You need to register before voting. The only procedure you have to follow before voting is to register.

Absentee voting gives you the right to register online and vote to participate in the election. You need not travel to the US to vote. The country considers you more responsible if you take extra pain and vote from where you are. Your vote is as important as who resides and votes in the country.

 Voting is not mandatory like paying taxes. So even if you don't vote, it doesn't attract any penalty. It is every citizen's right and not an obligation. But the country asks everyone to vote.

How Many Citizens Vote From Abroad?

Around 2.9 million Americans live outside the country. But, if you consider the number of expats voting, it is considerably less. It would be surprising to note that only 4.7% of the expats voted in the 2018 mid-term elections. Considering that stateside voters are 13% more likely to vote, this percentage turns out to be only 1,36,000 in numbers! 

The numbers increased in 2020 during the pandemic time. The overall votes cast were reported to be the highest recorded in 120 years at 66.7 percent. 

How To Register For Elections?

The process starts with registration and gives you three options to vote. The Federal Voting Assistance Program website allows you to register and vote for your favorite candidate. You can register online and vote through your state's official website. If you are looking for other options the last resort may be to contact the US embassy in the country of residence. You may get your ballot through mail, but the registration process would depend on your state rules.

Steps To Register For Absentee Ballot:

 To register and get your overseas absentee ballot, follow these steps:

• Visit the US Vote's register to vote or the ballot request.
• The guided Wizard process will help you navigate through the process.
• Provide your complete information and request the ballot online. It will expedite the process. Make sure to print it and post it faster.
• Once you sign it, the US Vote Foundation system will help you reach the ballot election office. 
• If your state doesn't allow online delivery, print it, sign it, and send it.
• You can send it to the local election office address in the instruction sheet.

Receive And Return the Postal Ballot:

Fill in your absentee ballot and send it back according to the instructions. Sending the ballot back to your local election office is usually an important step. Given that some states may vary in the dates set for requesting a ballot and submitting it, you may need to wait a period of seven to twenty days before the elections. 

It's good to vote early even though, in some states, it might be cumbersome due to the so-called restrictions on early voting. On voting days, after checking the election dates, you must check online with your state when you, as an expat, are allowed to vote. 

Certain Things To Keep In Mind Before Casting Vote From Abroad:

Let us now know the things to consider before NRIs vote from Abroad.

• If you have registered to vote, try researching the candidate from reliable web sources like Democrats abroad, or Republicans overseas. Make informed decisions and choose the candidate of your preference. Researching helps you make sure you have chosen the right one.
• Once you have decided on the candidate, cast your vote and check the ballot twice. It will ensure you have satisfied the requirements for voting, and it has your signature and the witness's signature. If you should send it by mail, send it and ensure they have received it.
• Contact your local election office to check for any updates related to the election requirements. Check whether your voting status has changed to ensure you cast a valid vote.
• Every state has its rules regarding voting and the deadline for absentee voting. 
• If you face any problems regarding absentee voting, contact FVAP or embassy or consulate to seek help.

Wrapping Up: 

Americans have a right to vote wherever they live and earn. Like resident Americans, ex-pats also have a right to vote and can exercise using the absentee voting process. It is a constitutional right to vote for all Americans and can send ballots online or through the mail. Voting is only a right and not an obligation that attracts penalties like taxes.