American expats in Oman step out to vote in divisive US Midterm election

Muscat: American expats in Oman are stepping out to vote in their country's midterm elections, one of the most divisive in the nation's recent history.

Reflecting on the concerns surrounding this year's race for the senate, Michigan native Lisa Waite, Assistant Lecturer in the Centre of Preparatory Studies at Sultan Qaboos University, said, "I am saddened by the current divisive climate in US politics.
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"The rhetoric does not represent who we are as Americans. Many of my friends and family feel a sense of overriding sadness regarding what is happening. We are trying to counteract the divisiveness by promoting acceptance, kindness and a love-your-neighbour attitude."

Like many American expats in the Sultanate, Waite was eligible to vote from abroad after she received her absentee ballot.

She added, "The process was very easy. I emailed my city clerk to request an absentee ballot. She mailed the ballot back. I printed it, cast my votes and then delivered it to the American Embassy who forwarded it through their diplomatic channels. I’m able to go online and see that my ballot was received and counted.”

This year's elections will offer voters their first chance to pass judgement on Donald Trump since he took office. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and one third of the Senate are up for grabs. Both are currently controlled by the Republican Party. But that may soon change.

Like many of Lisa’s compatriots, the political climate and decisions taken by the Trump administration were taken into account.

Anthony, an educator in the South Sharqiyah Governorate and a Washington State native, says that things have not been this bad in America for a long time.

"Things have not been this bad in a while. But there is hope, which is why these midterms are so important," she said.

Anthony, like many around the world, sees the midterms as an opportunity to improve healthcare and change his country's destiny. "This vote could decide the fate of healthcare for millions and determine the path we take as a nation take in the near future."