Resources for overseas voters in 2020
States are already sending ballot to overseas voters and all states are required to do so by September 19. Then the ball is in our hands, as overseas voters, to ensure that our votes count in the 2020 elections in the USA. The resources listed here can help FAWCO members as individual voters and as clubs assisting and promoting voting by all overseas Americans in their communities. Use them and tell others about them!
New! Support materials on ballot return and voting
- The US Vote Foundation lists options for ballot return for voters within and outside the US. Money quote for overseas voters: “All states allow postal return, and commercial courier delivery”. As overseas voters cannot use drop boxes or go to local elections offices, and postal service within the US is increasingly unreliable, consider using commercial courier delivery to ensure that your ballot reaches your local election official’s office on time. This option is expensive; perhaps FAWCO clubs could raise funds to help voters use it.
- US Vote also lists – and answers – the top 15 most commonly asked questions about both domestic and overseas absentee ballots.
- The National Conference of State Legislatures has a page on electronic transmission of ballots – see the options for your state.
- Ellen L. Weintraub, chair of the Federal Election Commission, gives useful information through her Twitter account.
- Panetta, G. 5 mistakes that can disqualify your November mail ballot and how to avoid them. Business insider, 2 September 2020
Most relevant FAWCO articles on voting
- Voting in 2020 – Overcoming Every Obstacle. Every overseas American should make a plan to ensure that they cast a valid ballot in 2020.
- Learn the deadlines and requirements for your state.
- When you register to vote, ask for email/online ballot delivery.
- Vote your ballot immediately.
- Return your ballot immediately.
- Track your ballot to ensure local election officials receive it.
Understand – and share the message – that the US has "Election Month(s)", not a single "Election Day", and that the election is over when all the votes are counted and the election results are certified. With somany voters voting by mail to protect themselves from COVID-19, counting will probably take longer than usual.
- FAWCO’s message to all overseas Americans is register and vote in 2020 and help other overseas Americans to do so.
See all voting articles.
Foreign election interference in 2020
The FBI says that, just as in 2016 and 2018, foreign countries are trying to influence the 2020 US election. Although the House of Representatives passed a bill to protect US elections, the Senate has not considered or voted on it. The FBI’s Protected Voices initiative "provides tools and resources to political campaigns, companies, and individuals to protect against online foreign influence operations and cybersecurity threats".
“Foreign adversaries, including Russia and China, and foreign-aligned groups try to illegally influence American political processes. Three common foreign influence methods are:
- Cyberattacks against political campaigns and government infrastructure …
- Secret funding or influence operations to help or harm a person or cause ...
- Disinformation campaigns on social media platforms that confuse, trick, or upset the public …”
Go to the FBI website to learn more. As FAWCO says, vote smart, check sources! Be careful to check the accuracy of the media that you consume.
Digital outreach materials
Click here for links to digital outreach materials for a variety of media from US Vote and the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP).
FAWCO voting videos
Here is the playlist:
- Information and support from FAWCO (1:05)
- Voter registration: demonstration (5:30)
- Voter Q&A No. 1 - Why the Rush? (1:34)
US Vote Foundation videos
- How do I vote from overseas? (4:06)
- Am I registered to vote? (1:25)
- How do I request a vote-by-mail ballot? (3:15)
- How do I find my election official? (1:05)
- Where’s my ballot? (1:35)
Federal Voter Assistance Program (FVAP)
See the FVAP video channel on YouTube.
2020 election
The USA’s 2020 election is the most important in a generation. Overseas Americans have both the duty to take part and the opportunity to make their voices heard more clearly than ever before – this in turn makes US lawmakers more likely to listen to our concerns. FAWCO members, FAWCO clubs and FAWCO itself can do much towards achieving this goal, and thus help to shape the future of the US for years to come.
What FAWCO does
FAWCO’s US Voting Committee operates under the US Liaison, and 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, through such means as Overseas Americans Week and work with partners such as the US Vote Foundation and FVAP. It publishes monthly articles on the FAWCO website, and summarizes and links to them in News in Brief and the US Liaison Bulletin.
In 2020, FAWCO has provided information and advice here, but also promoted overseas voting:
- through messages from the Social Media team (which started in 2019);
- in an online hangout with FAWCO Reps in January and an online voter registration workshop in April;
- in a virtual workshop for all FAWCO clubs, and workshops for individual clubs, on helping overseas voters to register an vote; and
- through Regional Meetings and Club events.
To help FAWCO in this work, get better information for your club or community, and to arrange a virtual workshop for your club, contact the Chair of the US Voting Committee ().
Why vote from overseas?
Overseas Americans often complain that US law ignores or unintentionally harms us. While voter turnout in the US is much worse than that in many developed countries (around 65% seems to be cause for celebration), however, 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). Living as we do, in daily contact with the world outside the US and functioning as informal ambassadors for our country, we have unique insights to offer. And 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 every year in which elections are held, and help other overseas Americans to do so.
FAWCO's US Voting 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 to ask questions, contact the US Voting Committee Chair at .
Register to vote
To register to vote, visit the US Vote Foundation.
