How Do Astronatus Vote From Space?

More than 100 million Americans voted in the 2012 Election, attending local polling places to cast their ballots. But what about the astronauts orbiting 230 miles above Earth in the International Space Stations.

Surprisingly, they voted too. But they didn’t dip back own to Earth to let their voices be heard.

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station have the option to vote from space, thanks to a forward-thinking law created in 1997. The law allows astronauts that work on the space station to receive a digital version of their election ballot in a secure email. After the astronauts fill out the ballot, it is sent to Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. From there, the ballot is then sent directly to voting authorities. Democracy in action.

Since 1997 six of NASA’s finest have voted in presidential elections from space.

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As you can see in the photo below, the International Space Station is a seriously complex ship. Take a full 360 degree tour here.

 

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