How are NASA astronauts voting from space on US election day?

Voting from space: How does it work?

Voting from space might sound tricky, but NASA has a streamlined process in place. Here’s how it happens:

1. Requesting the Ballot: Just like any absentee voter on Earth, the astronauts request a ballot.
2. Receiving the Ballot: NASA sends them an encrypted, password-protected ballot via email.
3. Filling It Out: The astronauts vote right on their computers.
4. Sending It Back: Once completed, the ballot is securely beamed back to NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, where it’s forwarded to their local election office in Harris County, Texas.

NASA started this “voting from space” system back in 1997, when Texas passed a law allowing astronauts to vote from orbit. Since then, space voting has become a cherished NASA tradition. Many astronauts, including Kate Rubins, who voted in the 2016 and 2020 elections from space, have taken part.

A proud voting tradition

Voting from space isn’t just about the astronauts—it’s a reminder that everyone’s vote matters, no matter where they are. Wilmore and Williams originally planned to be back by now, but due to their extended mission, they’ll be staying in orbit until February 2025.

While they might miss the “I Voted” sticker, their votes will still count in this election, just like everyone else’s!

(With inputs from CNN)