Sat Sep 14 06:57:13 UTC 2024: ## Astronauts to Vote from Space in Upcoming US Presidential Election

**Houston, TX** – Two NASA astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, currently stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025, will still be able to cast their ballots in the upcoming US Presidential election. This remarkable feat is possible thanks to a secure electronic voting process pioneered in 1997, allowing astronauts to participate in democracy from over 250 miles above Earth.

The astronauts will receive encrypted PDF ballots from Texas officials, enabling them to vote in both the US Presidential race and the Texas Senate election. While they haven’t revealed their candidate choices, the options include former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency and incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Congressman Colin Allred for the Senate.

The secure electronic process, first utilized in 1997 by astronaut David Wolf, ensures that astronaut votes are transmitted securely and efficiently. Election officials work closely with NASA to facilitate the process, with ballots delivered electronically and returned after completion.

Williams and Wilmore have been stranded on the ISS since June 2024 due to a technical issue with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Despite the unexpected extended stay, they remain positive and dedicated to their mission. Their return to Earth is planned for February 2025 aboard a SpaceX capsule.

This unique situation highlights the commitment to democratic participation, even in the most extreme environments. By successfully implementing the secure electronic voting process, NASA ensures astronauts can exercise their civic duty, regardless of their location.

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