In an inspiring demonstration of their commitment to democracy, two astronauts currently on-board the International Space Station (ISS) have made arrangements to participate in the 2024 elections, despite being temporarily stranded in space. Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams, whose return was delayed due to technical concerns with their Boeing Starliner vehicle, have expressed their determination to fulfill their electoral obligations.
Wilmore, during a communication session with journalists last Friday, mentioned that his vote request had already been sent back to Earth. NASA provides consistent support to ensure that all its astronauts can secure and submit their ballots, reinforcing the importance of democratic participation even from space. Both astronauts stressed that fulfilling this civic duty remains a priority and plan to vote on the traditional voting day in November.
Voting from space is a practice that dates back to the late 1990s, enabling astronauts to participate in elections from the ISS. This election cycle has seen an increase in the number of ballots being prepared for space-based voting. Election authorities in Harris County, Texas, the home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, facilitate this process by sending clickable PDF ballots that allow the astronauts to cast their votes digitally.
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft, designed to return from a mission in June after a week, remains grounded due to identified safety risks. Consequently, Wilmore and Williams are expected to remain in orbit for approximately six more months. Their return journey to Earth is scheduled early next year aboard one of Elon Musk’s SpaceX ships.
Despite their unexpected extended stay in space, the commitment of these astronauts to ensure their votes count back on Earth underscores the strength and reach of democratic rights. This act of voting from space serves as a profound reminder of the lengths to which citizens can go to participate in the governance of their country.
