We are heading into an important election in the United States in November. Are you a US expat and wondering how to vote in the US election from Mexico? You will find resources below, but first, here are a few reasons why your vote matters.
Why do I have to vote in the US elections, while I live in Mexico?
There are nearly 3 million Americans living outside the United States who are eligible to vote. Voting in federal elections is a privilege afforded to all U.S. citizens, regardless of where they reside, and many states allow U.S. citizens living abroad to vote in local and state elections as well. Voters use their last place of residence in the United States to determine their voting jurisdiction, even if the property is no longer owned by the voter.
Americans living abroad have as much interest in the outcome of U.S. elections as voters in the United States. They often act as ad hoc representatives of the United States in the communities where they work and live, and have significant tax liabilities in the U.S.
While people pay more attention during presidential election years, House and Senate elections are equally important in the US electoral system.
What are the main ways the US election results could impact Mexico?
Few countries are as intertwined economically, socially, and culturally as Mexico and the United States. I believe no country is more affected by the outcome of the US presidential election than Mexico.
For example, as major trading partners and major investment destinations, both Mexico and the United States have much at stake in the mandatory 2026 review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Importantly, there is no consensus on whether this exercise should be treated as an overhaul or a revision of elements of the deal. Depending on the approach taken, the certainty around the trade and investment rules outlined in the USMCA could be at risk.
A potential Trump or Harris administration would come under pressure to take aggressive action on U.S. immigration policy, which should lead to further border tightening in the future and a stark difference in rhetoric around immigrant arrivals, depending on who wins in November.
While there are many other things that make the US election relevant in Mexico, I want to highlight the next administration’s management of the US economy. The candidates have different positions on tariff levels and the independence of regulatory agencies and monetary policy, all of which could have major implications in Mexico.
Will my vote really count?
Overseas votes not only count, in some cases they also determine the outcome of the US presidential election. Given the electoral college system, votes are especially important in swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, but in a representative democracy, every vote counts. US citizens lose the opportunity to shape policy in Washington if they refuse to vote.
To illustrate the importance of overseas votes, in 2020, Georgia’s electoral votes were allocated only after more than 1 million mail-in votes, including those from overseas, were counted. 19,000 Georgians living abroad cast ballots, and Biden won the state by just 11,779 votes.
How do I choose from Mexico?
US elections are run at the state level, which means the rules vary from state to state. This can be confusing, even if you live in the United States.
If you are already registered to vote, you can simply apply for an overseas ballot. The deadline for applying for this varies depending on the state in which you are registered.
If you are not yet registered to vote, it is not too late to register. For example, in Michigan, voters can register by mail or online 15 days before Election Day. In other states, there is a 30-day deadline. You can easily register by Federal Voting Assistance Program.
Depending on your state's rules, completed ballots can be returned electronically, by fax, courier, or by mail. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate can mail ballots to voters, and they recommend that ballots be mailed by October 4 to ensure timely delivery. Consulates have voting assistance officers who can help answer any questions. More information is available available here.
What resources are available if I need help knowing how to choose?
Consular voting assistance officers are one resource, but the easiest way to get started with your vote is to visit a consular office. Choose from Abroadan educational site that is not biased towards candidates. While the site is funded by Democrats Abroad, there is no biased content on the site, just information for Americans abroad on how to register, receive their ballots, etc. The site also offers a chat feature for help.
Kellie Meiman Hock is a former U.S. diplomat and trade negotiator who served in Colombia, Brazil, and in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in the Executive Office of the President. She currently serves as Senior Advisor at McLarty Associates, where she has worked for more than two decades with investors and stakeholders operating throughout Latin America, including Mexico.