American democrats in Manitoba gather to watch 1st U.S. presidential debate
Dozens of Americans living in Manitoba showed up to watch the first U.S. presidential debate Monday night. Millions of viewers tuned in to watch Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton face off with Republican candidate Donald Trump in New York, including several here in Winnipeg.
The event was organized by Democrats Abroad, a group that seeks to encourage Americans living abroad to stay involved with American politics and vote with the Democratic Party.
Member Jennifer Carpenter organized the debate viewing party at Confusion Corner Bar and Grill hoping to rally Americans living in Manitoba to vote.
"If you are a Canadian and you care about this election you need to tell an American to vote," said Carpenter.
"It's not just Americans who care about what's happening. I have countless Canadian friends and neighbours and this is all we talk about," she said.
While the event was targeted to democrat supporters, Carpenter said the main goal was to encourage Americans living abroad to get involved.
"I had thought that the election of Obama was going to be the most important election of my lifetime, and sadly I was very wrong. I think this is actually the most important election of my lifetime," said Carpenter.
Carpenter says 15 people who are eligible to vote in the U.S. signed up to be registered voters at Monday's event. She says there are thousands of Americans living in Manitoba who are eligible to vote in the upcoming election.
Lori Woodcock of Hazelridge, Manitoba came out to watch the debate. She's originally from Wyoming but has lived in Canada for almost 20 years.
"I think we need to come together as Americans, and listen to the debates and cast our votes," said Woodcock.
Jon Wolfe, who grew up in Morden but was born in California, also came to the event.
"Many people living in Canada are really concerned about what Donald Trump can do for the world if he's elected," said Wolfe.
"If I can cast a vote, and if other Americans living abroad can, then they should," he said.
Carpenter says Americans living abroad who are planning to vote in the upcoming election should register to vote and request their ballots early, suggesting to do it at least a month before the election.
Americans will cast their ballots on November 8.
