Sat Sep 14 08:47:24 UTC 2024: ## Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to Vote from Space in Upcoming US Presidential Election

**Houston, TX** – Two American astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June due to a malfunctioning spacecraft will be exercising their right to vote in the upcoming US presidential election from space.

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were originally scheduled to return to Earth after an eight-day mission, are now expected to remain on the ISS until February. Despite the unexpected extension, the astronauts are maintaining a positive attitude, emphasizing their gratitude for the opportunity to spend more time in space and their eagerness to participate in the upcoming election.

“It’s a very important duty that we have as citizens,” said Williams, highlighting the privilege of being able to cast their votes from orbit.

Their participation in the election is made possible thanks to a Texas law passed in 1997, which allows NASA employees to vote from space. This precedent was first set in 1997 when astronaut David Wolf voted from the Mir Space Station, followed by Kate Rubins who voted from the ISS in 2020.

The process involves sending astronauts a secure PDF ballot with clickable boxes, ensuring a secret ballot.

While the astronauts declined to disclose their voting preference, they expressed their commitment to fulfilling their civic duty, a testament to the dedication of American astronauts who continue to push the boundaries of space exploration.

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