When is the global primary where I’m located?
Democrats Abroad is hosting over 100 voting center events in over 40 countries from March 5 through March 12, 2024.
What about voters not near a voting center, or interested in voting remotely?
Voters may vote remotely, and in some locations can join ballot assistance events, where volunteers help them with the remote voting process.
If you're interested in voting remotely, you will need to request your ballot. You can do that through Votefromabroad.org or through this form. Early voting starts February 13th, when ballot links and instructions are sent to voters who have requested their Global Primary ballot.
Who can participate in the 2024 Global Primary?
Voters must meet the following criteria:
- Be residing abroad and be a US Citizen
- Be a member of Democrats Abroad
- Be 18 as of November 5, 2024
- Not have voted, nor plan to vote, in any other state’s 2024 presidential primary
Why should voters participate in the Global Primary?
Lots of reasons!
First, participating in the Global Presidential Primary shows the US (and the world) how important our elections are to US Citizens living abroad – and how important WE are to those elections. Our strength is in numbers, and by making our voices heard loudly, we make the issues that matter to us known. Voting in the Global Presidential Primary is a forceful way to advocate for those issues.
Second, a vote in the Global Presidential Primary had greater weight than it does in a voter’s “home” state party. While tens of thousands of people will participate in the global primary this year, millions will vote in a voter's home state. That means that a vote in the Global Presidential Primary is more powerful than if a vote back home – in fact, it could be 4 times more powerful for voters in states like California.
Third, by casting a vote in the Global Primary, US citizens abroad will help give Democrats Abroad a stronger voice and greater weight within the Democratic National Committee. Representation in the DNC is based on proportionality. The more we vote, the more representation we have, and this improves our chances of achieving some of our most important policy goals.
Finally, we have made it very easy for US citizens to participate both at our Voting Centers and by remote voting options. Sheer turnout – raw numbers – really does matter, and that’s why we want Americans abroad to vote in the Global Presidential Primary.
Can people vote in their state primaries and the global primary?
Voters can only vote for each race once. So if they have voted in the global presidential primary for the democratic presidential nomination, they can vote in their state primary, but only for down-ballot primary races – races for important congressional seats and state and local elections.
What is the history of the Global Primary?
Democrats Abroad has sent a delegation to the Democratic National Convention since 1976.
Why can't Republicans living outside the United States vote in the GPP?
Like many state primaries, the Democrats Abroad global primary is run by the party itself. This is a big reason why we have very official procedures and why we have a voice at the Democratic National Convention and on the Democratic National Committee.
While there are certainly many Republicans living abroad, and there are clubs and groups for Republicans around the world, there is not an official arm of the Republican party equivalent to Democrats Abroad. Consequently, Americans who wish to vote at the Republican primary level are only able to do so as an overseas absentee voter and vote in their home state in the US.