On the Tuesday following the first Monday in November of every even-numbered year, elections are held for all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 33 or 34 of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate. Americans living overseas – for however long or whatever reason - are eligible to vote in their home states.

The next midterm elections for members of the U.S. House and Senate, plus all state legislators and 36 governors are scheduled for 2 November, 2010.

Just look at what we all accomplished in 2008! To keep that base and expand it, the next election will be almost as important. Democrats Abroad Netherlands will be providing the same information and service for the midterm elections. As the time draws closer, we’ll give you more details. Watch this space!

Overseas Voting Myths

Myth #1: "I can't vote. I don't have a US address anymore."

WRONG. Regardless how long you have lived outside the country, you always retain the right to vote in US Federal elections. Your legal voting address is the last place you resided prior to departing the US. (If you have never lived in the US, many states will allow you to vote using the legal voting address of one of your American parents. Check with local authorities.)

Myth #2: "I don't need to register. I already did it last time."

WRONG. Voters living abroad should mail in a ballot request every election year. Yes, there is a recent Federal law stating that a single ballot request should be valid for four years. And there are some exceptions, like California which permits "permanent absentee" registration. But, don't forget that our votes are administered by 3,000 different local authorities across the country, each with its own understanding of the law. Better safe than sorry - send a new ballot request each election year!

Myth #3: "They don't count overseas ballots."

WRONG. By law, every properly executed absentee ballot must be counted before a final vote count can be certified. However, if the number of outstanding ballots - overseas or otherwise - is smaller than the difference between two candidates, a winner may be called before every last vote has been tallied. But all outstanding ballots are counted before the election result is certified. (see Alaska’s 2008 story, below)

Myth #4: "One vote can't make a difference."

WRONG. Recent election results show this to be false. Florida 2000: George W. Bush wins the state by a margin of 537 votes. Washington 2004: Democrat Christine Gregoire becomes Governor by just 127 votes. Ohio 2006: The race for a seat on the Erie County Democratic Committee ends in a dead tie! Alaska 2008: some two weeks after 4 November, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich unseated Senator Ted Stevens by only 3700 votes, many of them absentee!

Myth #5: "If I vote, the IRS will hassle me."

WRONG. Voting in US Federal elections does not affect the determination of tax residence. You will not hear from the IRS because you voted in a Federal election. (Note: Voting in state and local elections can potentially affect state and local tax status. We recommend that you seek expert advice before voting in state or local elections.)