2. My state sends me a full ballot with both state and federal elections. Can I protect myself from state income tax liability if I only vote for the federal offices?

Some overseas voters who receive a full ballot (that is, containing both federal and state races) have said they only vote in the federal races as a way to avoid possible state income tax liability.

We aren’t able to give tax advice, but voting only for federal offices when you’ve received a full ballot should not make a difference in your state income tax liability. Ballots are secret — no one knows which offices on the ballot you have voted for and which ones you've skipped over.

When you don’t vote, you’re depriving yourself of your right to make your voice heard! And state races tend to have smaller numbers of people voting, so your vote could make a huge difference.

We strongly urge you to vote for all the races on your ballot — state elections are hugely important! State governments are responsible for voting, education, and applying federal law on so many issues, such as healthcare and the environment, that affect all US citizens no matter where we are in the world.

Still have questions? Click on the red icon in the lower right corner to email our team.