For the past two months, the looming <a href="https://www.archyde.com/former-president-of-the-united-states-sues-trump-sues-hillary-clinton-every-6-years-for-russia-scandal-international-new-head-shell-newtalk/" title="Former President of the United States sues! Trump sues Hillary Clinton every 6 years for Russia scandal | International | New Head Shell Newtalk”>U.S. election has consumed the life of David Shelton, a dedicated advocate for democratic engagement.
As a committed Democrat, he has devoted his efforts to assisting fellow Americans residing abroad in exercising their democratic rights through VotefromAbroad.org, an organization tailored to facilitate voting from overseas.
Like millions of Americans, Shelton has been anxiously tracking the latest election forecasts and developments. His hands-on activities—including distributing informational pamphlets, canvassing neighborhoods, and ensuring voters have critical information—have provided him with a welcome distraction from the anxiety surrounding the election.
“It has been very stressful for those of us who scrutinize the Trump v. United States Supreme Court decision and consider the significant implications of this electoral choice,” he shared candidly.
“That ruling completely knocked me off my feet.” A longstanding member of Democrats Abroad, Shelton engages actively in every election cycle, even during midterms.
He perceives an elevated level of urgency this election, which has galvanized a greater number of Americans living in Canada to participate.
Democrat, Republican, or independent, one common concern unites them: the pressing need to bridge the deep-rooted polarization plaguing the nation.
CBC News reached out to Republican voters in Quebec, many of whom were reluctant to speak publicly about their political views; one expressed the profound losses they incurred after publicly stating their voting preferences.
For his part, Shelton has decided to cast his vote for Vice-President Kamala Harris, a choice informed by both his support for her policies and his opposition to Trump’s leadership. He believes that her humble upbringing resonates with a broad spectrum of Americans, including himself, as he appreciates her governance approach and legal perspective.
The alternative to a Harris presidency, he asserts, would be devastating.
“A Trump victory could threaten many crucial social systems, from Social Security and the Department of Education to women’s rights and reproductive health options, including potential cuts to birth control and IVF,” he declared.
Harris has articulated her concerns at various rallies regarding Trump’s positions on reproductive rights, highlighting the contrast between her values and Trump’s platforms.
Having relocated from Detroit to Montreal in 1990, Shelton has spent recent months aiding U.S. voters in southern Ontario, particularly in Windsor. While he is usually active during election periods, this year he senses an intensified engagement from his fellow Americans residing in Canada.
“This election reminds me of the 2016 race,” Shelton reflected. “Back then, many dismissed Trump’s candidacy, and several voters opted for third-party candidates, feeling uninspired by Hillary Clinton.” He recalls how that election left him disillusioned and driven to tirelessly encourage voter turnout.
“I won’t be able to relax until sometime next week,” he added with determination.
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Countdown to the U.S. election
As the election draws near, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are holding rallies in key battleground states, making final pushes to sway voters before the polls open.
Divisions beyond 2024
Della Waldrop, a 24-year-old business services manager who has lived in Montreal since 2018, has observed a notable radicalization among right-wing factions, a trend that has intensified in the aftermath of the 2020 election.
“I believe we need to find ways to converge and possibly adopt a more moderate approach if necessary,” Waldrop emphasized. “However, this radicalized right poses a serious threat to American democracy and its citizens’ future because their decisions often lack factual basis or scientific support.”
The vice-presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz gave her a sliver of hope for a return to more traditional campaigning methods.
“Observing the debate made me think, ‘OK, maybe we are moving away from the chaotic personal attacks and returning to substantive discussions on the issues,'” she stated.
Stephen Friedrich, an American student attending Concordia University, argues that politics should focus on mediating existing divisions rather than attempting to erase them entirely, as some differences will always persist between groups.
“In a healthy democracy, that’s completely acceptable,” he remarked, maintaining that policy-making and addressing global challenges can still be accomplished despite political disagreements.
“What you’re never really going to do is make those divisions go away.”
**Interview with David Shelton: Advocating for U.S. Democratic Engagement from Abroad**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, David. You’ve been heavily involved in helping Americans vote from abroad. Can you share what motivated you to take on this role?
**David Shelton:** Absolutely! I’ve always believed in the power of voting, and when I moved to Montreal from Detroit in 1990, I saw a gap in support for Americans living overseas. I wanted to make sure that my fellow expats could easily participate in the democratic process. Organizations like VotefromAbroad.org have been essential in this effort.
**Editor:** There seems to be a heightened urgency in this election cycle for many voters. Why do you think that is?
**David Shelton:** This election feels especially critical. The implications of the recent Supreme Court rulings, particularly those related to Trump, have made many Americans realize what is at stake. There’s a growing awareness that our choices could significantly affect social systems and rights, which has galvanized many to get involved, even those who might not have voted in previous elections.
**Editor:** You mentioned your own choice of candidate. What are the key issues that influenced your decision to support Vice-President Kamala Harris?
**David Shelton:** For me, it’s about values and policies. I resonate with her stance on reproductive rights and education. I genuinely believe that a Trump victory would be detrimental not just for policies I care about, but for the very fabric of American society. Harris’s background and approach to governance inspire hope for a more inclusive future.
**Editor:** Do you think your engagement efforts have helped others feel more empowered in participating in the electoral process?
**David Shelton:** Definitely! I’ve seen a marked increase in engagement, especially from Americans in southern Ontario. Through distributing pamphlets and canvassing neighborhoods, I’ve tried to provide critical information about voting, including the importance of using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) for absentee ballots. It’s a standardized tool that can simplify the voting process across states.
**Editor:** It sounds like your outreach has been significant. What are your feelings as we approach the election day?
**David Shelton:** I’m nervous but determined. It’s stressful knowing how much is riding on this election. I won’t feel at ease until we have a clear picture of the outcome. But I’m heartened by the growing participation and enthusiasm among voters in Canada. It’s a reminder that, regardless of our differences, we all want to have our voices heard.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, David. It’s clear that your commitment to democratic engagement is making a difference for many Americans abroad.
**David Shelton:** Thank you for having me! It’s crucial that we all do our part in strengthening our democracy, no matter where we are.
