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The 2024 U.S. Presidential Election unfolds amid a dynamic global landscape, reflecting significant political, social, and economic shifts. As the world adapts to these changes, American expatriates have crucial questions regarding their participation in this pivotal election. Here, we address these queries to ensure U.S. citizens abroad are well-prepared to cast their votes.
What date is the 2024 US presidential election?
Election day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Early voting dates vary by state, beginning as early as September. The presidential debates are slated for late September and October, with specific dates to be announced. These debates provide a platform for candidates to outline their policies and respond to national concerns.
Can expats vote?
Yes. All American citizens can vote, wherever in the world they live. This right aligns with the foundational American principle of ‘no taxation without representation’, and along with having to continue filing US taxes, American citizens residing overseas retain the right to vote.
Expats can vote in all federal elections, including both presidential and Congress, and including primaries.
“U.S. citizens can receive an absentee ballot by email, fax, or internet download, depending on the state they are eligible to vote in.” – the State Department
Whether expats can vote in state elections depends on the rules in each state, but at least some expats can vote in all states, depending on their circumstances (e.g. how long they have lived, or intend to live, abroad for).
American citizens abroad who have never lived in the US (such as the children of US citizens who are born abroad) have the right to vote too. They should use their US parent’s last address in the US to register.
How can expats register to vote?
If you haven’t already registered this year, go to https://www.fvap.gov/ and complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). Print and sign the form, then mail it to your local state election office in the state where you last lived.
October is the latest that expats can register, with the exact registration deadline different in each state.
How can expats vote?
Expatriates can register to vote using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), available at FVAP.gov. This form must be completed, printed, signed, and mailed to your local state election office based on your last U.S. residence. The deadline to register typically falls in October, but exact dates vary by state.
When you receive your ballot, print it, fill it in, and mail it back to your local state election office, or to your nearest US embassy or consulate, allowing plenty of time for it to reach the States.
Only a few states allow ballots to be submitted electronically, however it’s best to check current rules with your state directly.
If I register to vote, will the IRS contact me?
All US citizens are required to file US taxes, including expats, reporting their worldwide income. The IRS has access to US and foreign banking and tax information though, so expats who are behind with their US tax filing and foreign account reporting from abroad should seek assistance from an expat tax specialist, who can often help them get compliant while avoiding penalties.
Voting in a federal election won’t affect expats’ US federal tax filing situation. The IRS has no access to State voting registers, so expats should rest reassured that registering to vote won’t trigger an audit or any other IRS attention.
Will voting affect expats’ state tax filing?
Participating in state or local elections might influence state tax liabilities. Expats are advised to review their state’s tax regulations and ensure compliance before engaging in these elections.
