All day yesterday Krista Kalbos she wanted to remove her from the US presidential election. In the evening she decided to go to an event with another American friend of hers, who, like Ms. Kalbos, living in Thessalonica – however, due to the time difference, it would be too early in Greece to start coming out with the results. However, he was under no illusions. He knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep last night. It would be dawn and she would still be watching the results of the election that would determine the future of the United States.
Although the eyes of the whole world are on these days United States of Americaanxiously awaiting the end of this episodic election saga, American citizens living in Greece they say “K” that they feel strange to be absent from their country at that time.
“This is the first time I have voted from abroad and it is a little strange not to be in the USA; on the other hand, looking at the impact of the election on the rest of the world, I think that as we American citizens abroad have an even greater responsibility to vote.” Thanos Davelis, 34, reports for “K”.. Yesterday he tried his best to pass the hours. “I could take my mind off work and go to the market, but the election is always the first thing on my mind,” he says. For the evening, he decided with some friends of his, therefore Americans living in Greece as well as Greeks, to gather at home at 10.30 pm and monitor the results. Not that anything has come out yet. To reduce the loneliness of the distance on a night like this. Unlike Ms. Kalbos who decided not to go to sleep, Mr. Davelis knew from the beginning that he wakes up very early in the morning to watch the results in each state.
Those who voted remotely in the US election feel left out at such an important time.
Events
The Greek Democrats failed to organize an election monitoring party this year ie. notes on “K” President of the Democrats Abroad of Greece, Brady Kiesling. He himself was a speaker on Greek television programs throughout the night, the vice president of the organization is in the USA and the other members made their own plans. An American citizen, he says, decided he could not stand in his house. He said he will be watching the elections in a pub in Koukaki and anyone who wanted could find him there. The Republicans of Greeceon the other hand, he spent the evening, starting at 9:30 pm, doing an all-night telethon about the US election, which was broadcast from a studio in Attica attended by volunteers and some journalists.
Speaking to “K”, 29-year-old Melina Dunhamwho has lived in Athens since 2021, says that yesterday she looked at some of the results at a friend’s house in Byron. “We’re doing it for good,” he says. He had planned early today to wake up at 6 am to watch the sequel. But if he could, he would rather be in the US today. “It is so important to us what will happen,” he emphasizes. OR Krista Kalboshowever, it is partly better to be in Greece, for one reason only. “I want to be in the United States to be surrounded by the community and be able to volunteer,” “K” says“but watching from a distance, I can protect at least my sanity.”
Title: Navigating Elections from Abroad: An Interview with Thanos Davelis
Editor: Welcome, Thanos Davelis, journalist and American expat in Greece. Thank you for joining us to discuss the unique experience of voting in the recent US presidential election from abroad.
Thanos Davelis: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be able to share my experiences.
Editor: You recently voted for the first time from outside the United States. How was that experience for you?
Thanos: It was quite surreal. On one hand, there was a sense of relief, knowing I participated in such an important process. But it also felt strange to be thousands of miles away from the action, especially given the immense impact that US elections have on the world stage.
Editor: I can only imagine. You mentioned feeling a greater responsibility to vote while living abroad. Can you elaborate on that?
Thanos: Absolutely. As an American citizen living in Greece, there’s a heightened awareness of the global implications of US policies. It feels like our voices matter even more because the decisions made back home can affect people here and around the world. It’s not just about us; it’s about our interconnected world.
Editor: That’s a powerful sentiment. How did you keep yourself occupied while anxiously awaiting the election results?
Thanos: (chuckles) Well, I tried to distract myself with work and even a trip to the market, but the election was always on my mind. I ended up gathering with a few friends—both Americans and Greeks—to watch the results together. It was comforting to share the experience, even if we were miles away from home.
Editor: It sounds like a supportive community. How did those around you, both expats and locals, react to the election?
Thanos: There was a mix of curiosity and concern. My Greek friends were very interested in the outcome, understanding its significance not just for the US but for international relations as well. Among fellow expats, there was a palpable sense of longing to be part of the on-the-ground excitement back home.
Editor: Did you find that your perspective on the elections changed as a result of being abroad?
Thanos: Yes, definitely. Being in Greece gave me a broader view of how US policies impact other nations. I realized that while we may feel disconnected, there’s a global community watching and waiting for the outcome. It made me appreciate the importance of our voices even more.
Editor: Lastly, what do you hope for American citizens living abroad in future elections?
Thanos: I hope more people like me will realize the importance of participating in elections, no matter where they are in the world. Our votes matter, and building a community to support each other during that time is crucial. I also hope for better resources to help expatriates navigate the voting process—it can be a bit overwhelming.
Editor: Thank you, Thanos. Your insights provide a fascinating perspective on the emotional weight of voting from abroad. We appreciate your time and your thoughts on this important topic.
Thanos: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing it with you.