The stakes are high in Tuesday’s U.S. midterm elections as Republicans could stand to lose control of Congress. Canadians will be watching closely to see what happens with our neighbours to the south, while those with dual American-Canadian citizenship will see how their votes play out. One group that will be paying attention to the midterms is American-Canadian Expats in Manitoba (ACEs-MB) – a non-partisan organization that supports U.S. citizens living in the province and encourages them to vote. Barbara Coombs, who is part of the organization, said she’s feeling nervous and excited about the midterms. “It’s always exciting when people get out and exercise their democratic rights to vote,” she said in an interview with Your Morning Winnipeg on Tuesday. “We are so fortunate here in North America to be able to do that.” Coombs said she hopes this election brings about some change. She added that one of her major concerns is the threats against the mail-in ballots as her group is made up of expats and overseas voters. “I’m also very concerned about the tariffs against Canada,” she said. “So, I’m hoping that after the midterm elections we can get a good deal, as it’s come to be known, for Canada. Something written in pen and not in pencil.” Coombs went on to say the midterm elections are important, especially for Canada, as the two countries’ economies are “so intertwined.” “We’re so used to our economic trade and to travelling back and forth between the borders,” she said. “I grew up near the Canadian border and we went over to visit Canada, to Niagara Falls more than once during the year when I was a child.” Coombs noted that every election helps to preserve democracy, adding that we can’t take the freedoms we enjoy for granted.
