Overseas Voter Survey

The Center for Civic Design has done a lot of research to understand what makes it hard to vote in the US. We believe overseas voters face different challenges – and we’d like to learn from you. Read more about this project on our website.

We will not share your information, or use it for any purpose outside of this research project.

This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Do you currently live overseas?

Yes No I’ve returned within the last 6 months In this survey, when we say “overseas” we mean outside of the US (the 50 states + District of Columbia). So our definition of overseas includes Canada, Mexico, and US Territories.

Are you registered to vote in the USA?

Yes No

Have you ever submitted a ballot for a US Election from overseas?

Yes I’m planning to Never

Voting History

What was the first election you voted in?

Have you ever worked on an election?

Yes No

What is generally your favorite or preferred way to vote?

Polling Place on election day

Early Voting in person

Vote by Mail

Other

Is there a reason why you prefer this way to vote?

Voting Habits

How often do you vote?

Never Rarely Sometimes Most of the time Every Election

What usually motivates you to vote?

Voting for/against particular issue

Voting for/against particular candidate

Someone I care about told me, or expects me to

Because it’s my civic duty

Because it’s my right

Other

Check all that apply

How do you usually prepare for voting?

Read official voter guide issued by election board

Learn things from someone I know (friend or relative)

Watching, reading, or listening to the news

Participating with a political club or group

Paying attention to Social Media

Hearing from candidates directly

Other

Check all that apply

Recent Voting Experience

What’s the most recent election you’ve voted in

Presidential Primary election 2020

General election 2019

Primary election 2019

General election 2018 (Midterms)

Presidential general election 2016

Don’t remember

Other

Were you overseas for that election?

Yes No

Did anyone provide you with information about how to vote from overseas?

Nobody, figured it out myself

My employer or institution

Friend(s) or relative(s)

Official election website

Social media

Other

Recent Voting Experience

How difficult was your most recent voting experience?

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 On a scale of: 1 = easy 7 = difficult

What made your most recent voting experience easy or difficult?

What state are you registered to vote in?

Describe your connection to the state where you’re registered.

Write about the address you use, and if you have any family, property, emotional or other ties to the state.

Living Overseas

How long have you lived overseas?

How long do you think you’ll continue living overseas?

Where do you currently live?

City and Country

Have you ever lived anywhere else overseas?

Yes No

What was your motivation for moving overseas?

Work or Employer

Volunteer Work

Friends or Family

School

Personal Desire

Other

About You

What kind of work do you do? If you’re a student, what is your major?

Do you speak more than one language fluently?

Yes No

Would you do an interview with us?

We’ve designed some ballots that we need to get feedback on. If you’re willing, we’d like to invite you for video or phone interview so we can show them to you.

This will take about an hour, and we’ll compensate you $50 for your time. Your participation helps us improve the experience of voting while overseas.

Can we interview you?

Yes No

What’s your first name?

What’s your email address?