Why it’s more important than ever for US expats to have a voice

Before we kick off here, I have a bit of a confession to make: I am not impartial in regards to what I am about to share. Not in the slightest. Nor should you be.

I’m an American expat: I’ve been living abroad since 2001, in places as “on the grid” as London and Barcelona and Buenos Aires, and as “off the grid” as Bali and Montevideo. In that time, I have met tons of Americans living abroad (did you know we’re 9 million strong?) and they tend to fall into two camps:

1- Desperately missing home. These folks are usually those that transferred abroad either for work or as trailing spouses. Living abroad has given them an even greater appreciation of their lives at home in the US, and the craving and deep desire to back in that comfort is seeping from their pores.

2- Elated to be away, and not all that keen to go back. These folks left willingly and happily, and either were dissatisfied with life in the US or simply craved the worldliness and adventure that travelling and expat living provides. They may never return.

But in my 17 years living outside of the US, there’s one commonality that I think is pretty striking: every American expat— every last one- is passionate about the US and cares about the countries future. Each person has an opinion and wants- deeply- to see their country succeed. There are lots of holes you can poke in American culture, but one that I feel still abounds : Americans are still hopeful, they are still resilient, and they will continue to fight for what they believe is right.

In the current political climate, that passion has gotten even stronger. It’s hard not to meet an American abroad who isn’t passionate about sharing their opinion on the political moves of the current administration, and there’s definitely a mourning you hear in voices of what many feel is the death of the American dream and a fear for the future of our country.

So, if that’s you, I ask you for two things:

1- Share with us how you feel. My company, Greenback Expat Tax Services (see, told you I wasn’t impartial) is doing a survey to better understand the expat voice. Fill it out here. There really isn’t a voice for Americans living abroad, and we’re largely ignored by politicians. Sharing your voice allows us to get the word out about what Americans abroad care about. Help us give you a voice.

2- VOTE. Even if you feel like your vote is unlikely to be counted, and if you feel generally frustrated with the electoral system and the political system overall, it’s important to vote. The elections have the potential to be even closer than ever, so could very reasonably end up in a situation where absentee ballots are counted. You have nothing to lose. Not voting is a 100% chance of not having your voice heard- voting atleast gives you a shot. For more information, here’s a good site: https://www.usvotefoundation.org/elections2018-vote-overseas