Saturday, September 14, 2024

Astronauts Vote in Elections from Space


Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) Vote From Space.

“I sent down my request for a ballot today,” One of the New Astronauts, Butch Wilmore, said on a call with Reporters on Friday afternoon. “It’s a very important role that we play as citizen including those elections, and NASA makes it very easy for us to do that.”

Another Sunita Williams, agreed with the Sentiment. “It’s a very important duty that we have as citizens and looking forward to being able to vote from space, which is pretty cool,” She said.

Since 2004, Astronauts on board the ISS have Voted in All but One Presidential Election.

In Order to Vote, Astronauts must Fill-Out the Federal Post Card Application prior to Departure, the same Application used by Military Members Stationed Overseas.

During an Election, Johnson Space Center transmits a Secure Electronic Ballot, and the Astronauts are emailed Credentials by their Local County Clerk.

The Ballot is then Filled-Out, Downlinked to Earth, and e-mailed to the relevant County Clerk.

The First American to Vote for President in Space, was Leroy Chiao in 2004, who was onboard the ISS in 2004.

American Astronaut Kathleen Rubins Voted on the ISS on Two occasions, in 2016 and 2020.










NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker


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