Voting Abroad2010

It’s worth noting that Americans no matter how long they have been outside the United States have the right to vote in US elections. Something that isn’t true in many other countries, even some democracies. So being that Americans have this right, I think it best to take advantage of it.

Also as an American citizen you have to report your world-wide income annually to the Internal Revenue Service – no matter where you live. Even if many American expats don’t pay US taxes thanks to double taxation agreements why give up your representation when the US government can still potentially tax you?

Even if 2010 is an ‘off’ year election there is still lots at stake. Congress recently enacted FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) that directly affects foreign banks with US account holders, meaning just about all US citizens abroad.

Voting from overseas isn’t really much harder than voting by absentee ballot when in the US. Just make sure to request and mail your ballot much earlier than you would when in the US.

Here are some links to help you vote when living abroad:

Overseas Vote Foundation
ACA American Citizens Abroad - Voting
Federal Voter Assistance Program
VoteFromAbroad.org

French Video Immersion