October 29, 2024

POSSIBLE CANADA POST STRIKE IMPACT ON U.S. ELECTION


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2024

CANADA—OCTOBER 29—Democrats Abroad Canada is urging American voters living in Canada to take immediate action to ensure their ballots reach the U.S. on time for the 2024 General Election, as a Canada Post strike could begin as early as this Sunday, November 3rd.

“Votes from abroad have made a significant impact in past U.S. elections, including in 2020, where they helped to decide the outcome in key states,” said Jacob Wesoky, Executive Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad Canada. “With approximately 625,000 eligible U.S. voters in Canada, a Canada Post strike could mean that ballots sent by mail may not arrive in time to be counted. It also means that ballots already sent that are still in Canada when the strike begins may be affected.”

Why This Matters:

For American citizens voting from abroad, the timing of ballot returns is critical. While some U.S. states allow electronic submission, many, including key battleground states like Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin, require ballots to be returned by mail only from Canada. Without a reliable mailing option, voters may face severe barriers to having their votes counted in this election. All state voter requirements can be viewed at VoteFromAbroad.org/States.

Urgent Action Steps for Voters in Canada:

  1. Alternative Ballot Return Options: For those in mail-only return states (AR, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, OH, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, WY), voters are encouraged to use express courier services (e.g., FedEx, DHL, or UPS) instead of regular mail. Democrats Abroad Canada has secured a special UPS discount for its members, offering up to 50% off published rates to facilitate timely ballot return.
  2. Electronic Return for Eligible States: Voters residing in states that allow email, fax, or online upload can avoid mailing delays by submitting their ballots electronically.

Note: It’s too late to use the U.S. embassy and consulate diplomatic pouch services; express courier or electronic options are recommended to ensure timely delivery.

The Canada Post strike, if it proceeds, could leave thousands of American votes uncounted due to delivery disruptions. “We want every U.S. voter in Canada to know that there are still ways to ensure their vote reaches the U.S. on time despite this disruption,” emphasized Wesoky.

Potential Impact

With Canada’s close proximity and sizable American expatriate population, votes from abroad will be pivotal in this election. Democrats Abroad Canada urges all eligible voters to act quickly before the potential strike on November 3rd.

About Democrats Abroad Canada

Democrats Abroad Canada is part of the official Democratic Party organization for Americans living outside the United States. We are committed to helping U.S. citizens exercise their right to vote from abroad, providing resources, guidance, and support to ensure their voices are heard in every election.

For more information, please contact:

Jacob Wesoky
Executive Vice Chair
Democrats Abroad Canada
[email protected]
+1 (703) 862-3174