Butch Wilmore emphasized the significance of voting as citizens, stating that NASA facilitates this process. Currently in the International Space Station, he and fellow astronaut Sunita Williams are preparing to cast their votes in the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5. Williams expressed her excitement about voting from space. During a press conference from the ISS, Wilmore shared that he had already requested his ballot. Both astronauts have been living in space since June due to issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Since 1997, American astronauts have been able to vote from space, thanks to a Texas law that allows NASA employees to participate in elections while on missions.
Election officials in County collaborate with NASA to provide astronauts with a secure PDF ballot, ensuring their votes remain confidential.The press conference took place exactly one week after the Starliner returned to Earth without its crew, making space for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, which is set to bring the two astronauts home in February. Ms. Williams and Mr. Wilmore are currently on the ISS with seven other astronauts. They expressed their gratitude for the extra time in space, despite facing some challenges. Ms. Williams, recently appointed as the commander of the International Space Station, expressed her positive outlook. She says “We’re here with our friends, and we have a ride home,” sharing her excitement for the upcoming months onboard the ISS.