OTTAWA, Canada — Americans living in Canada are encouraging fellow expatriates to participate in the upcoming United States midterm elections, with community organizers stressing the importance of overseas voting as political divisions and tensions between Washington and Ottawa continue.
The elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and part of the Senate. The results could significantly influence President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda and the level of congressional scrutiny his administration faces.
Americans Abroad Mobilize Ahead of Election Day
For many American citizens living in Canada, the upcoming election offers an opportunity to influence decisions affecting their families, communities and future plans.
Tammy Wilsker Mermelstein, a Texas voter who moved to the Greater Toronto Area last year, said she intends to vote from Canada for the first time. She believes the election could be particularly significant for Texas, where she sees a potential opportunity for Democrats to compete more strongly.
Other Americans living abroad have also emphasized the importance of voting, particularly those registered in closely contested states where relatively small differences in turnout can affect election results.
However, political engagement varies among expatriates. While some have publicly expressed support for Democratic candidates, others who favor Republican candidates have reportedly been more reluctant to discuss their political preferences openly.
Georganne Burke, who leads the Canadian chapter of Republicans Overseas, said some Republican supporters feel uncomfortable speaking about their political views because of the possibility of negative reactions from their neighbors. She nevertheless said many remain motivated to participate in the election.
Low Overseas Turnout Raises Concerns
Despite the large number of eligible American voters living in Canada, participation in U.S. elections from abroad has historically been relatively low.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program estimated that more than 430,000 eligible U.S. voters lived in Canada as of 2024. Its estimates indicated that approximately 10% of eligible American voters in Canada participated in the 2024 general election, compared with roughly 76% of eligible voters domestically.
Voting from overseas can involve additional administrative steps, and some eligible citizens may not realize they retain the right to vote while living outside the United States.
Kathryn Sikkink, a Harvard Kennedy School professor who has volunteered with the U.S. Vote Foundation, has identified unfamiliarity with the process and practical difficulties as possible reasons for low participation.
Organizers are therefore encouraging American citizens to confirm their eligibility, understand their state’s requirements and make arrangements to submit their ballots before the applicable deadlines.
U.S.-Canada Tensions Shape Political Discussions
Relations between the United States and Canada have also become an important consideration for some American expatriates.
Trade disputes and tariff measures introduced during Trump’s presidency have affected political discussions among Americans living north of the border. Some expatriates say decisions made in Washington have consequences for Canadian businesses, workers and the broader bilateral relationship.
Jessica Matwick, a dual citizen living in Ottawa who is involved with Democrats Abroad and Indivisible Ottawa, said she believes voting is a way for Americans abroad to express their views about the administration’s policies.
Republican supporters have offered a different perspective. Burke said she believes some of Trump’s policies, including efforts to bring manufacturing back to the United States, benefit American workers.
The contrasting views illustrate the political divisions among American citizens living in Canada, even as both Democratic and Republican supporters acknowledge the importance of electoral participation.
How Americans in Canada Can Vote
U.S. citizens living in Canada can generally vote absentee in federal elections, although procedures vary depending on their state of voting residence.
Depending on state rules, voters may be able to receive ballots by mail or electronically and return them through approved methods. Some states also permit overseas citizens to participate in certain state and local elections.
Eligible voters can consult the Federal Voting Assistance Program for official guidance on requesting absentee ballots, checking state-specific requirements and confirming whether their ballots have been received.
As Election Day approaches, organizers hope more Americans living abroad will overcome the administrative challenges and exercise their voting rights.
The level of overseas participation remains uncertain, but the campaign to encourage expatriates to vote highlights the continuing connection between Americans abroad and political decisions at home.
Swifteradio.com
