The 2024 US election is heating up, with both party candidates trying to attract more supporters through various means. Despite domestic voters being the main focus, both parties’ campaign teams are also mobilizing American expatriates for this election. Republican presidential candidate Trump and his Democratic opponent Harris have made direct appeals to these voters.
According to the Congressional Hill newspaper, nearly 5 million Americans residing overseas are eligible to vote from abroad in this election. They represent a small yet unique group that could potentially influence the election results in key swing states.
In 2020, swing states such as Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania saw over 27,000 requests for overseas voting registrations.
Former President Trump, in a video on October 12, urged American expatriates to register to vote from abroad. He also promised to end double taxation – typically, Americans are taxed both in the country they reside in and the US. However, there are exemptions as well.
“Republicans Overseas” collaborated with the Trump team to produce this video. Solomon Yeu, CEO of the organization, remarked: “This has been a surprise for us in October.”
In this presidential election, the Democratic National Committee provided around $300,000 to the “Democrats Abroad” organization for the first time to assist voters in registering and mobilizing for voting activities.
Ballot applications for overseas voters opened 45 days before the election. Martha McDevitt-Pugh, the international chair of “Democrats Abroad,” stated that the Biden administration earlier this year made efforts to address issues of concern to overseas Americans for the first time.
On October 24, Harris issued an open letter to American expatriates voting from abroad, pledging to address their concerns about banking and tax matters seriously.
“We are pleased that both candidates acknowledge the need to take action on taxation issues affecting overseas Americans or at least recognize their concerns and pledge to act on them,” said Marylouise Serrato, Executive Director of the non-partisan advocacy organization “American Citizens Abroad.” “For us, this is a very positive signal.”
Though the voter turnout of overseas voters is often low, less than 8%, both major campaign teams are urging them to come out and vote.
“SHARE AMERICA” pointed out that several factors contribute to the low voting rate among American expatriates, including the complexity and time-consuming nature of overseas voting processes that vary across states in terms of absentee ballot applications and submission requirements.
Moreover, some overseas Americans may be unaware of their eligibility to vote. Additionally, difficulties in receiving and sending back ballots on time may arise for overseas voters.
However, an increasing number of states are starting to allow voter registration and absentee ballot applications through email or fax to save time.
Non-partisan non-profit organizations such as the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) and The Center for U.S. Voters Abroad Turnout Project are working to help overseas Americans actively participate in voting.
In addition to urging overseas voters to cast their ballots, both party candidates are also engaged in vigorous campaign activities within the country. Harris will hold a rally in Michigan on Sunday, while Trump will start his day in Lititz, Pennsylvania, then head to Kinston, North Carolina, and conclude the day’s events in Macon, Georgia.