Americans living abroad have a voice this primary season. While both Democrats and Republicans can participate in their home state by casting an absentee ballot, the Democratic party got creative this year, launching the Democratic Global Presidential Primary.
Those who preregistered with Democrats Abroad will be able to vote online. Voters will get secure online voting "credentials." The Michigan Democratic Party has been using the same system since 2004.
International voters can also go to special polling places. The Democratic spots are open to anyone with an American passport, including Republicans and independents, and voting is open until Feb. 12. Click here to get a list of the center locations.
Democrats Abroad has been awarded 22 delegates that will be proportionately distributed based on voting results at the Democratic National Convention.
A global presidential primary seems like a great idea! Americans living abroad are impacted by US foreign policy every day, and I am happy their voices will be heard. I also think online voting is a great way to increase participation. But, I wonder if it is more susceptible to fraud.
Do you wish we could all vote online?
La Redoute
I would love to vote online. I was just talking to my friends about this the other day. If we could vote online, don't you think the number of people in the coveted "youth vote" would be much higher?
1This is what my American friends who are still in London are doing and they're big fans. I had to deal with absentee ballots for 4 years, meh. They weren't TOO bad, but this sounds a lot more convenient, and you have the instant gratification of knowing your vote is actually being counted.
2uh yeah, i'm really wishing i could vote online since my absentee ballot never came. =(
3Online would really "up" the number of young and new voters. Not every candidate would like that maybe.
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