Many Americans live in the UK – but few vote back home. This year, that must change | Kathryn Sikkink
Summary
Many Americans living in the UK do not vote in US elections, even though the UK has one of the largest populations of voting-age US citizens outside the United States. Voting from abroad is legally protected and made easier by US laws, but turnout remains very low, partly due to misunderstandings about tax implications of voting.Key Facts
- In 2022, there were around 298,268 voting-age US citizens living in the UK.
- Only 3.8% of these US citizens in the UK voted in the 2022 midterm elections.
- The UK recently removed the 15-year limit on overseas voting for its citizens, allowing "votes for life."
- The US Supreme Court rejected efforts by President Trump’s administration to limit mail-in voting before the 2022 midterms.
- US federal law requires states to allow overseas voters to register and vote absentee, using forms like the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).
- Voting in federal elections does not affect US tax obligations for Americans living abroad.
- US citizens living abroad still have to file US tax returns based on citizenship, not on whether they vote or not.
- Many overseas Americans may not vote due to confusion about tax rules connected to voting while living abroad.
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