The complicated reality of voting as an American abroad
Every year thousands of Americans move abroad. Some are students studying in universities, others are retirees stretching their retirement money, military members and their families stationed around the world and digital nomads or workers for globalized companies. The precise number of American citizens residing outside the country is unknown. The U.S. State Department estimates the figure at 9 million people, with only 7.8% participating in the 2020 election. Why are the turnout numbers so low? The reasons are as varied as the citizens of the United States. Among the factors could be apathy, a lack of knowledge, or even Americans asking themselves, “Should I be voting if I’m not living there?” asked Martha McDevitt-Pugh, international chair of Democrats Abroad, the equivalent of a state political organization. “Although we may not reside in the U.S. presently, the laws and policies still impact our lives,” McDevitt-Pugh said. “It’s important to remind our representatives that we are here and we matter.”Tax laws passed under the Trump administration caused great hardships for many American small business owners abroad, McDevitt-Pugh explained, while others face citizenship challenges for children born in other countries.Since the popular vote numbers are incredibly close, it has become more critical than ever that American citizens living overseas participate in the general elections and let their voices be heard. “We are Americans, and we still love our country,” said Sharon Manita, Democrats Abroad press secretary. “It doesn’t matter where we live.”
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