Former President Donald Trump made baseless claims this week regarding the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA), suggesting that Democrats are exploiting the law to manipulate the upcoming elections. Trump alleged that UOCAVA allows ballots to be emailed overseas without verifying citizenship, insinuating potential foreign interference in the 2024 election.
However, experts have debunked Trump's assertions, emphasizing that local election officials rigorously verify the identity and eligibility of overseas voters who register to vote absentee. The process involves submitting a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) annually, confirming U.S. citizenship under penalty of perjury, and providing identification such as a driver's license or social security number.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program administers UOCAVA, ensuring that eligible voters receive absentee ballots for federal elections. Overseas voters, totaling approximately 4.4 million U.S. citizens in 2022, play a crucial role in the electoral process, with nearly 95,000 votes cast in the 2022 general election.
Despite Trump's unfounded claims, election experts stress the integrity of the absentee voting system and the importance of upholding voting rights for citizens abroad. The Center for Election Innovation and Research founder highlighted the nonpartisan nature of UOCAVA, noting its enforcement across administrations.
While isolated cases of noncitizen voting exist, states implement safeguards to prevent such occurrences, including verifying citizenship through various means like DMV records or direct communication with voters. False narratives like Trump's allegations exploit concerns about voter fraud and immigration, fostering distrust in election processes.
Ultimately, the UOCAVA remains a vital mechanism for facilitating overseas voting, with bipartisan support and a history of successful implementation. Election officials play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of the electoral system, ensuring that all eligible voters, regardless of location, can participate in the democratic process.
