While early voting allow citizens in 32 states to get a jump-start on the Nov. 6 elections, those living in foreign countries also have an advanced opportunity to cast ballots for their presidential candidate of choice.
Reportedly, the United States authorities encouraged Caribbean-Americans who live in the region to request absentee ballots in order to count in the election of the next president of the United States.
“When it comes to voting, I always make sure I go to the American Embassy in New Kingston to make sure my vote is counted,” Charles Simpson, a Jamaican-American who resides in Jamaica said.
“Because I know diplomats and government officials will probably get first preference, I try to be early and make sure to join the line that is always there before an election.”
Paul Walker, a London-based Jamaican-American citizen who will make his first attempt at voting in a foreign country said he is ready to test the voting system in England and will vote by absentee ballot for his choice candidate.
Caribbean-Americans living in Africa, Australia, Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean are already alleging their civic responsibility to participate in the anticipated and important elections.
These individuals were given the right to vote by Congress in 1975.
The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986 currently governs the procedures.
Those living overseas must first register to vote and ask for a ballot from their local voting authorities in the areas in which they lived in the U.S.
The recently enacted MOVE Act requires these people to make a new request for a ballot every year.
