Why you should register to vote in 2019
Yes, there will be national federal elections in the United States in 2020 (and you should register to vote in them on January 1). But there are good reasons to be registered in 2019, too.
There are three special elections for seats in Congress: the 12th district in Pennsylvania (on May 22) and the 3rd and 9th districts in North Carolina (on September 10). Some state and local elections will also take place, mostly on Tuesday, November 5. These include the elections of:
- governors in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi;
- state legislatures in Louisiana, Mississippi, Virginia and the New Jersey General Assembly (the lower house); and
- numerous citizen initiatives, mayoral races, and a variety of other local elections.
Registration deadlines are well in advance of election dates; if you are qualified to vote in these elections (you intend to return to the US and your state allows overseas voters to take part), make sure to make your voice heard!
To register, visit the US Vote Foundation.
Why vote from overseas?
Overseas Americans often complain that US law takes no account of us. While voter turnout in the US is much worse than that in many developed countries (around 65% seems to be cause for celebration), turnout for overseas Americans voters is only 4% – if we do not bother to speak, why should lawmakers listen to our concerns?
Our country needs to hear our voices – not just in the choice of President and Vice-President, and senators and representatives in Congress, but in state and local offices (in states that permit us to vote on them). Now that many political races are decided by small margins, we have a better chance to be heard than ever before. Seize this chance: vote in 2019 and every other year in which elections are held, and help other overseas Americans to do so.
FAWCO's US Voting from Overseas Committee encourages and assists US overseas citizens to participate in every federal election for which they are eligible by providing a dedicated website and information and training to volunteers in FAWCO member clubs, and helping with publicity. The Committee also works to reduce the barriers to voting from overseas imposed by federal and state legislation.
To get involved or with any questions, contact the US Voting from Overseas Committee Chair at .
Register to vote
To register to vote, visit the US Vote Foundation.
