Americans living overseas can vote for the same basic reasons as voters in the US.  You can vote in Federal Midterm Elections, for Congress and some states for Senate, from anywhere in the world: if you are a US citizen, 18 years old or older on Election Day & eligible in your state.

“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”   John Lewis

There are some issues that affect overseas voters more directly. Whether someone should vote is ultimately a personal decision, but there are several reasons many expatriate Americans choose to participate.

Here are some of the main considerations:

Federal policies still affect Americans abroad. U.S. citizens living overseas remain subject to certain U.S. laws, including citizenship-based taxation, passport rules, consular services, Social Security (for many recipients), and foreign policy decisions.

 Congress has significant influence. Midterm elections determine control of the United States House of Representatives and roughly one-third of the United States Senate. Those bodies shape legislation on taxes, veterans’ benefits, immigration, national security, spending, and oversight of the executive branch.

 Your state is still represented. Most overseas Americans vote in the last U.S. state where they resided (or, in some cases, through their parents’ last state of residence). Their elected representatives make decisions that may affect their future if they return.

Some events or issues that commonly motivate Americans abroad to vote include:

 Tax policy.  Proposals involving overseas taxation, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, foreign bank reporting requirements, or tax treaties can have a direct impact on Americans abroad.

 Foreign policy and international security.  Wars, military alliances, diplomatic relations, sanctions, and international trade can affect Americans living overseas in practical ways.

 Consular services and passport policy.  Funding and staffing for embassies and consulates influence passport processing and assistance during emergencies.

 The economy. Inflation, interest rates, federal spending, and economic policy can affect retirement savings, investments, exchange rates, and employment opportunities.

 Healthcare and retirement.  Changes to programs such as........

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