South Africans living overseas have been voting at embassies across the globe. Their participation is critical in what many see as the most consequential election in South Africa since 1994. Yet there are worrying indicators suggesting a fair number of young South Africans will choose not to vote at all. This voter apathy is concerning.

There can be various influences and pressures that shape (or disfigure) democracy, but voter apathy is one that is highly detrimental to its functioning – and one we have the power as citizens to control.

The United States is facing a similar threat. A repeat showdown of the 2020 candidates and the governmental paralysis caused by extreme partisan positioning has left many voters uninterested in participating in the election in November, despite the two parties promising dramatically different outcomes.

Whether in the seasoned democracy in the USA or the vibrant and young democracy in South Africa, the danger posed by voter apathy is shared. When eligible voters choose not to exercise their democratic right, they turn their voice and choices for how their nation will be governed over to a smaller majority. This can even result in a distinctly smaller and vociferous group wresting control if that sense of apathy is widespread, and then national policies and governmental actions no longer represent the majority of the citizens.

No matter how disinterested, overwhelmed by choice or disgusted by the candidates people may feel, citizens in democratic societies should remember their obligation to vote. This exercise allows for governments, political parties and candidates to better understand the will of the people. From local, municipal, provincial and national levels, those serving must be guided by their constituents. If they are not happy with the government’s performance, their collective voice is heard through the ballot box.

Each voter has the obligation to educate themselves on a party’s platform, their performance in governing and their ability to do what they promise. Once informed, every member of the society who is eligible has that key role to play: to vote.

Seeing the reports of South Africans voting abroad is an encouraging sign for the strength of the nation’s democracy. Americans living abroad are in the process of registering to vote for the upcoming presidential elections.  The US Federal Voting Assistance Program has indicated that roughly 2.8 million Americans of voting age are living outside the USA. They estimate that only 7.8% of eligible overseas voters cast their ballots in the 2020 elections.

Considering some state-level elections were won by a margin of just hundreds of votes, and key swing states in the national election had a margin of just tens of thousands (10 457 in Arizona, 12 670 in Georgia), mobilising voters living outside the country can make a significant difference. It took 80 000 votes in four states to give Biden the win in 2020.

Although American embassies and consulates can facilitate returning ballots to the US, it is ultimately the responsibility of voters to register, vote, and get their ballots returned to their respective states. This can be complicated and daunting overseas – each of the 50 states sets its own rules and getting the correct information from the state, understanding the multi-step process, and mailing it back in some cases, can all pose a challenge. American voters in South Africa can request their absentee ballots, check their state specific rules, and find voter help at www.votefromabroad.org.

Helping navigate the complexities of voting in the US while living abroad is why the organisation Democrats Abroad exists, with an active and engaged group in South Africa. As part of the Democratic Party in the US, they reach out to Americans living in the country, assist with registering them to vote, organise gatherings, host online and live programmes to introduce Democratic candidates or present an important policy or piece of legislation, connect members here with the international body of Democrats worldwide, and much more.

The stakes are high for US citizens living abroad. It is not just the presidential elections. Democrats Abroad advocates and offers guidance for Americans with issues such as taxation while overseas (very complicated), social welfare benefits, pension and healthcare, adoption and citizenship, and many others.  Remaining engaged and involved as an American voter even while living outside the US is critical.

If you are an American living in South Africa and want more information, reach out to Democrats Abroad South Africa at [email protected] 

Don’t be apathetic. Get involved. Democracy works only when each citizen gets involved and votes – both in South Africa and the United States.