AARO White Paper Shows How Overseas Voters' Rights Are Being Threatened

State Of Play report by the Association Of Americans Resident Overseas explains how federal and state governments would undermine the voting rights of Americans living abroad

By News Team | Published on February 18, 2026

The Association of Americans Resident Overseas (AARO) has released a new White Paper, ‘State of Play’, which details recent legislation, lawsuits and executive actions that could restrict or undermine the voting rights of Americans living abroad, including the proposed SAVE, PROVE and MEGA Acts.

The report, written by AARO Voting Committee members Doris Speer, Meredith Gowen Le Goff, Katelyn Mikyska and Kate Sable, examines measures at both the federal and state levels, including requirements for documentary proof of citizenship and residency, the elimination of ballot receipt grace periods and the proposed elimination of voting rights for U.S. citizens born abroad. While some of these measures have been halted or remain pending in the courts or legislatures, others have already taken effect.

These developments create uncertainty and barriers for overseas voters as the 2026 elections approach. Without timely action, says AARO, eligible citizens risk facing new administrative hurdles or losing access to the ballot altogether.

The White Paper provides a comprehensive overview of:

• The current legal and legislative landscape
• The status of key court cases and proposed laws
• The practical impact on overseas voters
• The actions AARO is taking to safeguard voting access
• Steps Americans abroad can take to protect their right to vote

“For more than 50 years, AARO has worked to protect the voting rights of Americans abroad,” said Doris Speer, President of AARO. “The right to vote is fundamental and our goal is to ensure that every eligible American abroad can exercise this right. We urge you to stay informed, verify your registration status, and remain engaged.”

To read the full White Paper CLICK HERE

AARO, a global, non partisan, non profit association that seeks fair treatment by the U.S. government for Americans abroad, was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Paris https://aaro.org/