As the United States gears up for a critical midterm election, a previously dormant voting bloc is awakening—millions of Americans living abroad who are rallying to make their voices heard. This surge in overseas voter engagement, largely driven by frustration with President Donald Trump, could have significant implications for the upcoming election.
Historically, American expats have been underrepresented at the ballot box. Out of an estimated six and a half million voting-age Americans living outside the U.S., only a small fraction participates in elections. For instance, in the 2022 midterm elections, just 3.8 percent of eligible voters in the UK cast ballots.
This time, however, organizations like Democrats Abroad are witnessing unprecedented levels of enthusiasm and activism among expatriates. “We are absolutely seeing engagement like we’ve never seen before in a midterm election year,” stated Martha McDevitt-Pugh, the international chair of Democrats Abroad, emphasizing the heightened energy among Americans living abroad.
Echoing her sentiments, Jasper Lee, who leads the organization’s Australian chapter, noted an increase in anger directed toward Trump among American expats. “I expect, quite frankly, to do twice as well as in 2018, and 2018 was already pretty fantastic for us,” he remarked, referring to the impressive gains Democrats made during the last election cycle.
Democrats Abroad operates committees in nearly 50 countries, working tirelessly to help expats understand their voting rights and navigate the complexities of registering and casting ballots from abroad. In 2024, there were over 800,000 Americans registered to vote internationally, not counting uniformed service members and their families.
Current data suggests that this number is poised to increase significantly. Julia Bryan, the group’s Global Fundraising Director, pointed out, “We are the bluest voting constituency,” with many expats mobilizing in response to discontent with the current administration.
Lee shared that the number of voters helped by Democrats Abroad in Australia doubled compared to previous election cycles, indicating a growing recognition among long-term expats of the need to engage politically. “Many are now seeing what’s happening at home and are motivated to make the effort to vote,” he explained.
Americans in the UK, led by Freya Proudman, secretary of the Democrats Abroad committee there, have also been vocal about their frustrations with Trump, particularly in the wake of ongoing international coverage of his administration’s actions. Proudman noted that comparisons between living conditions abroad and those in the U.S. are fueling discontent.
“When you’re able to make those direct comparisons, like the rising cost of living, it makes many Americans abroad more aware of the situation in the U.S.,” she said, underscoring how such insights inspire a desire for change among expatriates.
With over 1,000 volunteers worldwide, Democrats Abroad has adopted a multi-faceted strategy to reach American voters. From information booths at universities and American bookstores to targeted advertisements in local media, the organization is committed to leaving no stone unturned.
However, the path to voting remains fraught with challenges. Various legal maneuvers by Trump, including attempts to disqualify mail-in ballots received after election day and legislative proposals mandating in-person registration, have left many voters feeling vulnerable and uncertain.
McDevitt-Pugh mentioned the anxiety provoked by these developments, particularly given the reliance on postal services for overseas voting. “There’s a lot of concern for our voters this year,” she said, illustrating the complex atmosphere that overseas voters must navigate.
The power of overseas voters can potentially sway election outcomes, as illustrated by close races in recent years. For example, in the 2020 presidential election, Arizona was won by a margin of just over 10,000 votes, with expatriates contributing to the tally of ballots cast.
“Those four or five days from election day until they called the election, everybody was watching the votes ticking up in Georgia,” McDevitt-Pugh recalled, highlighting how every vote counts in tight races.
As the day of the election approaches, the disparate experiences of Americans living abroad—shaped by their unique perspectives and frustrations—could result in a significant boost for blue candidates and policies opposing Trump and his party.
The potential impact of this mobilization marks a pivotal moment in American politics, showing how dissatisfied Americans, even when far from home, can rally to effect change.
