US expats urged to register to vote on International Voter Registration Day

The commencement of the 2024 U.S. election season marks a crucial year where American voters will decide the nation's next president and the composition of the House and Senate. Starting with the Iowa Republican caucuses on January 15, this electoral journey promises a series of impactful primaries, caucuses, and debates across the country.

In addition to the Iowa caucuses, International Voter Registration Day also falls on January 15. It serves as a reminder for U.S. citizens around the globe to actively engage in the democratic process and exercise their right to participate in the upcoming elections, which include state primaries running up to November.

These primary elections, each governed by state-specific rules, play a crucial role in determining the delegates that choose the presidential nominee from both Republican and Democratic parties. While current president Joe Biden and his 2020 opponent Donald Trump are the current frontrunners to be their party's nominees, neither are set in stone.

Delegates will cast their votes at the Republican and Democratic conventions during the summer months. The presidential election, alongside other significant races, will take place November 5, but overseas voters will need to mail out their ballots weeks ahead of that date.

To ensure that U.S. citizens residing overseas can easily participate in the electoral process throughout the year, the online platform VoteFromAbroad.org provides comprehensive information and assistance for seamless voter registration. The initiative aims to empower citizens worldwide to have their voices heard in the U.S. elections.

For additional support for those navigating the registration process, the platform also runs Zoom the Vote!, a free live voter assistance program accessible through Zoom chat calls.

Zoom the Vote! is scheduled for January 15 from 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Prague time, with additional sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. This live assistance endeavor seeks to guide citizens through the intricacies of the registration process.

U.S. citizens residing abroad are eligible to vote in federal elections, including for the President, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives. Every valid overseas ballot must be counted before the election result can be certified, emphasizing the significance of each vote cast.

As the election season unfolds, U.S. expatriates residing abroad are strongly encouraged to register promptly, ensuring their participation and making their voices count in this critical democratic process. Find out more about how and when you can vote in this year's elections at VoteFromAbroad.org.