The New Jersey Senate election is on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, but overseas absentee ballots go out September 21. Be sure to request an emailed overseas absentee ballot now and mail back your ballot ASAP! More info here.
About the New Jersey Senate Race
New Jersey is the 14th largest state of military and civilian U.S. citizens voting from abroad. With 26,959 registered New Jersey voters from abroad in 2020, our votes could be the margin of victory in November, so every vote from abroad matters! The more of us that vote, the more Congress will prioritize Americans abroad issues. This is why it's so important for everyone living abroad to vote. To read more about this race click here.
Andy Kim
1. How do you think access to voting from abroad can be improved?
2. Several bills have been making their way through the House that are aimed at drawing attention to and/or addressing some of the most critical issues facing US citizens who live outside the country. Would you be willing to introduce Senate companion versions of the following bills?
Yes
Yes
Yes
3. Will you co-sponsor S.597 - Social Security Fairness Act?
Yes
4. How do you think US citizen services at consulates and embassies could be improved?
Americans living abroad are entitled to the same rights and benefits as every other citizen – this includes a robust, accessible citizen services program. Consulates and embassies must be fully staffed, and scheduling meetings must be easy and accessible. We also must continue to digitize, so that filing taxes or renewing passports is easily done online. I have made constituent services a top priority in my office, and I will always advocate for that level of service for all Americans, whether they live in the States or abroad.
5. What tax, overseas information reporting, and financial access reforms would you support to relieve the undue burden faced by low- and middle-class Americans abroad?
Most Americans who move overseas are doing so for work or for marriage – it is imperative that we enact a tax system that, while guarding against illicit activity, is not punitive to the millions of Americans living abroad. It is imperative that we have a comprehensive understanding of what the issues are and how we can properly address them, which is why I will support H.R. 5800, Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act. This would ensure we know directly how federal laws impact Americans living abroad and make the necessary changes. I will always fight for a fair tax system – that understands the majority of Americans abroad are not seeking tax benefits. It is also crucial that we modernize our tax filing system so that it is easy for all people.
6. Would you support adjustments to the tax code that align tax residency with physical residency, provided that they are resilient against abuse and are beneficial to the Internal Revenue Service? Such a change is commonly known and used in the rest of the world as “residency-based taxation.”
It is imperative that we understand that most Americans living abroad are not doing so to evade taxes. Immediately, I will work to enact this shift in perspective. Similarly, as we work to make our tax system farrier and more equitable, we must ensure Americans living abroad are not forgotten. I would support H.R 5800 Commission on Americans Living Abroad Act to better understand what we can do to improve policy for Americans abroad. I believe taxation must be fair for all – Americans living abroad cannot be subject to an unfair tax system purely for living abroad; I will fight for a fairer, more just tax system that benefits all Americans, including those living abroad.
7. What more do you believe could be done to keep U.S. citizens abroad in mind when passing legislation in order to avoid unintended consequences for those living outside the United States?
To ensure that Americans abroad have the representation they are entitled to, we must do more to consistently engage and hear about what issues matter most to them. Since first being sworn into office in 2019, I have hosted monthly town hall meetings with my constituents – where I get to hear about what issues matter most to them and then go work on their behalf. I am incredibly proud of my constituent services team and how we engage with everyone. I will bring that same commitment with me to the Senate and will always engage with Americans abroad.