Every Vote Counts- Even When Abroad

Author: Marie Hentschel, Rideshare2Vote Volunteer.

I am an American citizen living in Germany and one of the most frequent questions I get these days is “Hey, are you allowed to vote?” Yes, I have my US Passport, I pay my US taxes and I proudly exercise my right to vote. What has really inspired me as an expat voter is seeing grassroots activism all over Europe. Americans all over the world are working hard so that every American can maintain their right to vote.

I volunteer for a nonpartisan group to get the vote out amongst American’s living overseas. They just want to help people vote. It’s that simple. Many people living abroad don’t realize they can, as a US Citizen, vote absentee ballot. Also, it can frankly be a daunting task. You have to dot every i and cross every t, follow mail in deadlines and make sure you are registered on time. My mail in ballot came with a two page instruction document, it was nerve wracking. I didn’t want to make a mistake and get my ballot thrown out.  Volunteers across Europe have been calling fellow Expats reminding them to register to vote absentee ballot and seeing if they need help. Every Sunday for the past month volunteers have been working a Zoom chat where American’s like me can hop on and ask for help with this process. All nonpartisan, the main point is to help people vote.

My most uplifting experience was working the vote from abroad registration booth in downtown Dusseldorf. I was really a bit confused when asked to volunteer for this. “So you want me to go set up a table in a German city and see if American’s need help registering to vote. Hmm yeah that sounds weird.” I’m here to tell you it was the most rewarding experience. People stopped by just to ask questions about America. One person stopped and asked if his dual citizen daughter could vote. Yes, she can! The best part of my afternoon was when a young student rode his bike up to us and said “I’ve been meaning to register to vote, can you help me?” He made the whole day worth my while. If I had a hand in one young person voting, I am happy.

It’s been inspiring to see how American’s all over the world are helping each other get the vote out. There is still time to help. If you know someone living abroad ask them if they voted. If they need help they can go to www.votefromabroad.com. Or if you’re in the USA then make a plan and vote! Or even better, offer to drive someone to vote. www.Rideshare2Vote.com