Myths about Overseas Voting

http://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/

Myth #1:        “I can’t vote. I don’t have a US address anymore.”
WRONG. Regardless how long you have lived outside the country, you always retain the right to vote in US Federal elections. Your legal voting address is the last place you resided prior to departing the US. (If you have never lived in the US, many states will allow you to vote using the legal voting address of one of your American parents. Check with local authorities.)

Myth #2:        “I don’t need to register. I already did it last time.”
WRONG. Voters living abroad should mail in a ballot request every election year. Yes, there is a recent Federal law stating that a single ballot request should be valid for four years. And there are some exceptions, like California which permits “permanent absentee” registration. But, don’t forget that our votes are administered by 3,000 different local authorities across the country, each with its own understanding of the law. Better safe than sorry – send a new ballot request each election year!

Myth #3:        “They don’t even count overseas ballots.”
WRONG. Absolutely 100% false. By law, every properly executed absentee ballot must be counted before a final vote count can be certified. However, if the number of outstanding ballots – overseas or otherwise – is smaller than the difference between two candidates, a winner may be called before every last vote has been tallied. But all outstanding ballots are counted before the election result is certified.

Myth #4:        “One vote can’t make a difference.”
WRONG. Just look at recent election results. Florida 2000: George W. Bush wins the state by a margin of 537 votes. Washington 2004: Christine Gregoire becomes Governor by just 127 votes. Ohio 2006: The race for a seat on the Erie County Democratic Committee ends in a dead tie!

Myth #5:        “If I vote, the IRS will hassle me.”
WRONG. Voting in US Federal elections does not affect the determination of tax residence. You will not hear from the IRS because you voted in a Federal election including for President, Vice-president, Senate and House. (Note: Voting in state and local elections can potentially affect state and local tax status. We recommend that you seek expert advice before voting in state or local elections.)

Myth #6:        “Voting from abroad is so complicated.”
WRONG. This used to be true! But now, US citizens can complete the entire process of requesting an absentee ballot – and spread the word to friends and colleagues! – in just two minutes flat at www.OverSeasVote.com.