Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are set to vote in the upcoming U.S. elections by casting their ballots from space. This initiative ensures that even those in orbit can exercise their voting rights.

The process begins with astronauts completing a Federal Post Card Application before their mission, indicating their intent to vote from space. Subsequently, a secure electronic ballot is transmitted to the ISS, which the astronaut fills out and returns via a secure channel to be counted.

This system was first utilized in 1997 when Texas passed legislation allowing astronauts to vote electronically from space. Most American astronauts reside in Texas, making this provision particularly relevant.

Notably, NASA astronaut Kate Rubins cast her ballot from the ISS during the 2016 and 2020 elections, highlighting the program’s success.

The secure transmission of ballots is facilitated by NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) infrastructure, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the voting process.

This initiative underscores NASA’s commitment to enabling astronauts to fulfill their civic duties, regardless of their location. The program exemplifies the seamless integration of technology and democracy.

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