OTTAWA – American Democrats residing in Canada are ready to make their political preferences known as the midterm elections approach next month. Meanwhile, some Republican supporters appear hesitant to express their views due to concerns about how they might be received by those around them.
Tammy Wilsker Mermelstein, a Texas voter who relocated to the Greater Toronto Area last year, will participate in a U. S. election from Canada for the first time.
Though she was a Republican and voted that way until 2016, Wilsker Mermelstein stated she has never cast a vote for U. S. President Donald Trump. She emphasized the importance of voting this year since “Texas is in play.”
“Texas has not elected a Democrat in high office for at least two decades, probably longer, and this is the first solid chance,” she explained. “They say every vote counts. This is really going to be an election where every vote matters, even in states where people aren’t used to having their vote matter if they’re in the minority.”
Americans head to the polls on Nov. 3 for midterm elections that could allow Democrats to take control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives from Republicans. If Democrats manage to control one or both chambers, it could significantly change the direction of Trump’s presidency, potentially leading to new impeachment proceedings against him and investigations into key allies and agency heads.
The participation rate among expats during U. S. elections is generally low; however, the Federal Voting Assistance Program estimates there were over 430,000 eligible U. S. voters living in Canada as of 2024.
The organization estimates that turnout among Americans in Canada was roughly 10 percent during the 2024 general election, while domestic voting rates were around 76 percent that same year. Overall turnout among all eligible overseas U. S. citizens was estimated at about 11 percent.
Kathryn Sikkink, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School who has volunteered with the U. S. Vote Foundation, mentioned that low participation rates can be attributed to difficulties some citizens face when trying to vote abroad. Some may not even realize they’re eligible.
The U. S. Department of State’s website states that citizens can obtain an absentee ballot via mail, email or fax or by downloading it online; however, these options vary depending on state regulations.
The majority of U. S. citizens can vote absentee for federal office candidates during primary and general elections; additionally, some states permit those living abroad to vote for local and state offices as well as referendums.
Georganne Burke, chapter lead for Republicans Overseas in Canada, remarked on what has been a “contentious year” as American expats have observed “the back and forth” between both governments regarding trade issues.
“They want to ensure whatever happens back home remains stable just in case they have to return,” she noted. “So I think people are more engaged than they have been before.”
A dual citizen herself, Burke recently moved back to the U. S after spending nearly four decades living in Toronto and Ottawa.
A supporter of Trump and a Republican herself, Burke believes there’s approximately three Democrats for every Republican among American expats living in Canada.
“I know most Republicans are very motivated to vote,” she said. “They’re just quiet about it because they’re often not received warmly here in Canada-it’s unfortunate.”
“Democrats are also eager to participate especially if they’re from one of those battleground states like Michigan.”
The Canadian Press reached out via social media pages and message boards looking for various American voters’ perspectives; many Democrats responded positively while no Republicans did so.
Burke insists it’s essential for citizens to exercise their right by voting during elections; despite some things Trump does making her feel uneasy at times she tries focusing on his achievements instead.
“A lot of what he has done has made significant changes for Americans including addressing border issues with Mexico,” she stated. “And although it frustrates many people he is bringing American industry back home which benefits employment-that’s his job.”
The ongoing trade war initiated by Trump with Canada has become a pivotal issue ahead of upcoming midterms across several important states.
Soon after trade negotiations collapsed last August he aggressively ramped up trade tensions issuing tariffs against numerous Canadian goods while renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America amidst heated rhetoric following negotiations’ breakdowns between both nations-prompting retaliatory actions from Ottawa shortly after such developments occurred recently enough too!
Catherine Morrison provided this report originally Oct.21 ,2026.
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