State of Play on Voting by Americans Abroad
For more than 50 years, AARO has defended the right of Americans abroad to vote. Today, that right is again under pressure at both the federal and state levels.
Lawsuits, legislation and executive actions seek to impose documentary proof of citizenship and proof of residence, as well as to eliminate grace periods and voting rights for U.S. citizens born abroad. While some of these efforts have been blocked in court or have not yet passed both houses of Congress, others are in force and pose serious risks to overseas voters ahead of the 2026 elections.
The AARO Voting Committee has released its White Paper on the growing wave of federal and state bills and lawsuits which would significantly restrict the voting rights of Americans living overseas.
From proof-of-citizenship requirements and elimination of ballot “grace periods,” to efforts targeting U.S. citizens born abroad, the landscape is shifting quickly in this election year. The report details the major proposals, including the SAVE Act, SAVE America Act, MEGA Act, and the PROVE Act, explains the ongoing litigation, and details the steps members can take now to protect their right to vote.
AARO remains actively engaged, filing amicus briefs, opposing restrictive legislation, working with allies, and monitoring developments nationwide.
