Summary
Republican efforts continue to place more voting restrictions on U.S. citizens living overseas, including military members, before the 2026 midterm elections. These measures primarily affect American citizens born abroad who have never lived in the U.S., with some states now limiting their voting to federal elections only.
Key Facts
- Around 2.8 million U.S. citizens living abroad were eligible to vote in 2022.
- Voting turnout for overseas citizens is significantly lower than domestic voters (3.4% compared to 62.5% in 2022).
- Republicans are working to restrict voting for U.S. citizens born overseas who have never lived in the U.S.
- Thirty-seven states and Washington, D.C., currently allow these individuals to vote based on a relative's last state residency.
- Legal challenges in swing states like Michigan and North Carolina have attempted to invalidate votes from these citizens.
- North Carolina has changed its rules, allowing these voters to only participate in federal elections, not state or local races.
- The Republican National Committee's challenges were mostly dismissed, but some legal battles have led to changes in voting policy.
