Expats Face New Hurdles in US Midterms

American citizens residing in Mexico are facing logistical and legal barriers as they prepare to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. The contests scheduled for November 3 will determine the outcome for all 435 House of Representatives seats and 35 of the 100 Senate seats. For many expatriates, the process has become more complex due to varying state requirements and recent federal administrative changes.

James Burns, a retired resident of Ajijic in Jalisco state, has lived in Mexico for six years. He notes that while many Americans in the community have already cast ballots remotely, the act of voting has grown difficult. Burns says he is concerned about the polarization of the United States and the potential for violence following the election results. He expressed worry about the safety of his family and friends in a country he views as increasingly divided.

The process of voting from abroad requires voters to navigate procedures that differ by their registered US state. Organizations like Vote From Abroad assist residents in updating registrations and understanding specific state rules. Burns credits these groups for explaining how to obtain and return ballots to ensure they are counted. Despite this assistance, the physical act of sending mail remains a challenge.

Samuel McCree, a 45-year-old resident of Mexico City, illustrates the postal difficulties. He describes the Mexican postal service as somewhat unreliable and noted that shipping packages to the United States can be expensive. To avoid delays, McCree handed his ballot to a visiting friend who would mail it from the US. He emphasized the importance of participating in the political process despite the distance.

A new legal controversy has added uncertainty to the voting procedure. The Trump administration altered the federal form used by citizens voting from abroad. The change removed an option that allowed voters to identify as US citizens who have never resided in the United States. This category includes individuals born abroad to US citizens who may hold voting rights under certain state laws.

The Democratic National Committee has sued the Department of Defense and the Office of Management and Budget over the modification. The lawsuit argues that the change makes it harder for eligible voters to register and request ballots. This dispute occurs while voter turnout among Americans abroad remains historically low. In 2022, there were approximately 91,000 voting-age US citizens in Mexico, but only an estimated 3.1% of eligible voters participated in the midterms.

Bradley Narduzzi, who has voted from Mexico for 20 years, says he has never felt such uncertainty about the process. He described the current climate as alarming, noting that people are becoming more cautious about expressing their political views. Narduzzi, a visual artist who travels to Texas, observes that immigration policies and border control measures have intensified this tension. He stated that the combination of election rules and immigration debates has created a tense environment for American expatriates.