Another reason to register to vote now – coping with new rules and requirements

As discussed here last year, many US states passed new laws in 2021 that make it harder for Americans to exercise their Constitutional right to vote in 2022. Register now to vote in the 2022 federal elections. That’s always good sense, but now more important than before. It will give you the time to cope with any new rules and deadlines that may affect your right to vote – and to solve any questions or problems that might arise.

When a voter registers can determine whether they get to vote at all, and margins of victory can remain slim enough that small numbers can turn the scale. For example, tens of thousands of last-minute registrations in the 2018 state elections in Georgia could not be processed, it was claimed, owing to lack of time. The Georgia Secretary of State who ran those elections is now that state’s governor, winning by a smaller margin than the number of unprocessed registrations.

What you can do

FAWCO members can do three things to exercise their right to vote, and to help other Americans do so.

1. Register to vote/Request a ballot now through the US Vote Foundation or the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP).
2. Spread the word to other Americans in any way you can.
3. Urge the US Senate to pass new laws to protect voting rights.

These actions will help support the foundation of American democracy: free and fair elections.

1. As they say in airplane safety presentations, first secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others: that is, first, get registered yourself. Go to your computer and register to vote/request a ballot with the US Vote Foundation or FVAP.
2. Then spread the message as far as you can, to every other American that you know – through your FAWCO Club, any other group with American members, etc. We can hope – though not be sure – that the pandemic will have eased by October, when most overseas voters will cast their ballots. Until then, FAWCO’s 2020 advice to voters still holds good. FAWCO’s US Voting Committee will share information and advice throughout the year – please spread the word about that, too!
3. Finally, Congress can still pass legislation to secure all Americans’ right to vote, even though a Senate minority has prevented it coming to a vote at least three times. Urge your Senators to pass these bills. Click here to find out how.  

More than ever before, the Unites States needs all its citizens, everywhere, to protect and sustain its democracy. Start playing your part today.