Your Voice Matters…Even Abroad!
In light of the upcoming November 8, 2022 general election, I felt compelled to share this information with those of you who are curious about the process.
Just because you’re abroad, doesn’t mean that you don’t have a say in the political process back in your home country! Voting and keeping up somewhat on the political climate of your home country is still important, especially since it could have the potential to impact your life abroad depending on the legislation that can be felt internationally.
Voting for the president is not the only important election! If it’s your first time being abroad during an election period, these 5 steps will ensure that your voice is heard abroad! National leadership really starts with who’s working on the state and local levels.
But it’s all so complicated being abroad, right? Well, now it doesn’t have to be so stressful, as I’ve just gone through the process that took less than 15 minutes!
Step 1
- Go to the site VoteFromAbroad.org
Step 2
- This site provides a link to the Federal Voting Assistance Program where you can fill out the Federal Post Card ( FPCA) information.
Step 3
- After filling out the FPCA form, you can receive an email of the absentee ballot form, and you can directly email it to your state’s email! (The email is conveniently provided for you when you receive your form)
- My submission form looked like this and includes the county’s Board of Elections’s mail
Step 4
- Copy and paste this “Please see attached form” sentences and send the attached form to the email of your locale’s election office
Step 5
- Once approved, the state’s office will email you your ballot with directions on how to fill out the form and send it via mail way before the general election date so that it can count for the election!!
And You’re Finished!
It’s surprisingly so easy to continue staying politically active, even from abroad. (Thank you internet!) I hope this post was helpful for any Americans who happen to come upon this post and live abroad but haven’t thought about how they’d be able to vote from being abroad and the paperwork involved.
Let’s take action! So many advocates did the hard work to secure our right to vote, so let’s exercise it well and make our voices heard. Let’s secure the leaders who will represent us and put through overall positive legislation for all. Reach out if you have any other questions!
Happy voting, and stay safe and healthy. 🗳️
Just a girl and her words—navigating the world.
Leah's Lexicon 
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