Americans Abroad: Protect Your Voting Rights
Restrictive voting laws are currently sweeping the United States. Georgia recently came under fire for a law which would — among other measures — limit the number of drop boxes, restrict the use of provisional ballots, and criminalize the distribution of food or water to voters waiting in line to vote. However, other states including the very notable example of Florida, are passing similarly severe voting legislation that is laser-focused on restricting voting rights.
The Florida state legislature is currently considering several bills including HB 7041, SB 656, and SB 90. SB 90, in particular, limits voting by absentee ballot regardless of where you live, including overseas. Absentee or mail-in ballots are used more frequently by elderly voters who may not be physically able to get to the polls and by BIPOC voters who often live in communities where fewer polling places exist. Floridians may still request an absentee ballot, but additional restrictions now apply and ballots will not be automatically sent to voters who had previously used them.
Florida and Georgia are only two examples of an escalating attack on voting rights. As an overseas voter, if you’re concerned about voting rights in your own state, the non-partisan Brennan Center for Justice’s bill tracker can help you monitor upcoming legislation on the subject.
You can also thank your State or Local Representative for protecting voting rights. Go here to find their contact information. Regardless of whether you are in uniform — or simply living or studying abroad — the best way to stay engaged as a US Citizen living overseas is to register to vote and request a ballot every year.
