As we approach November, it is a perfect time to remind U.S. international students about the upcoming historical presidential election between Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris. Yes, I know we are living and studying in the UK now, but what’s happening politically on the home front also remains extremely important and impacts our lives abroad.
Why Voting Matters
Voting is the defining feature of democracy, the very fabric of the United States’ identity. As a representative democracy, the U.S. political system relies on the public to elect officials to make decisions impacting American daily life at home and abroad. Elections occur every year for various local, state, and national representatives. However, every four years, Americans cast their ballots for the President. With under 50 days from Americans deciding between Former President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as the next president, it is critical to first acknowledge the importance of why your vote matters.
Countless groups have risked their lives to access the right to vote so it is vital for Americans to participate in elections to ensure their voices are heard and continue to do so to ensure the U.S. remains a representative democracy. In 2020, the US Census Bureau found that only 66 percent of eligible voters cast their ballot in the 2020 presidential election. With this information in mind, Americans both living domestically and abroad should recognize the need for increased voter turnout in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Participating in elections provides the perfect opportunity to elect political leaders who you feel best represent you, your perspective, values, and vision for the United States. Regardless of your political leanings, voting fully represents what America stands for – a country for the people, by the people.
Connection to Home
The ability to vote in the upcoming election holds both emotional and practical significance within me and my life. As a Black American woman, I recognize the strife and triumphs both women and Black Americans endured to secure my right to enfranchisement. I refuse to allow their sacrifices to be in vain.
Though I do not currently live in the United States, I will not miss out on the opportunity to participate in such a historical election and exercise the privilege of electing the political leaders who will represent me and my beliefs. I strive to remain culturally and civically engaged with American culture and politics since decisions made at home have a lasting impact on my experiences abroad and my loved ones at home.
Broader Impact of the Election
Practically, the results of the election affect foreign relations, especially the strength of the American passport. For those of you who enjoy traveling, I encourage you to consider this fact as you begin to consider casting your ballot. For women and other non-men, reproductive rights are a hot-button issue on the table.
As university students, many of us, including myself, rely on federal student loans to fund our higher education. Exercising your electoral power could substantially influence policies related to Student Debt Relief and federal student aid reform. Despite being abroad, legislation and policies passed in the United States still impact you and your daily life as an expat and university student.
How to Vote from Abroad
Now that we’ve gotten the periphery information out of the way. Below, are some tangible ways you can vote from abroad.
On Wednesday, 25 September, representatives from Vote from Abroad will help American students register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot.
If you’re unable to meet with Vote from Abroad, that’s all right. The process is very simple, and you can complete it on your own online. You can register and request your absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FCPA). The FPCA registers you to vote and requests absentee ballots. You can complete your FPCA online here.
After you complete your FPCA, print, mail, and postmark it to your local election office. Some states allow you to email your FPCA to your local election official. After you complete your FPCA, your election official will process your FPCA and send your ballot.
After you receive your ballot, cast your vote using the instructions provided. If you don’t receive your state ballot within 45-30 days of the election, you can still vote! You can complete the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB), but it is crucial you complete it as soon as you receive it.
And that’s it! I hope this voting guide was helpful and that you cast your ballot in time for the upcoming November election.
