Overseas voters could decide the next president of the United States; more than half of the nearly 3 million eligible voters living overseas come from swing states. Two election cycles ago, I moved to Barcelona, but I still vote in my hometown of Pennsylvania, a decidedly purple state that could be the key to the White House. Both parties are paying overseas voters unprecedented attention, but our priorities and perspectives differ from our domestic counterparts. For months, I’ve interviewed other Americans overseas — questioning friends with vastly different views, talking with various expat groups, and having uncomfortable conversations with strangers. If candidates want our votes, they should pay attention. International relations are a high priority for overseas voters, whereas it doesn’t even crack the top 10 for domestic voters. Olivia, relocated from New York to Rome says, “Most important is that whoever is in office can handle the crises that are facing the world; you know we have two major wars at the moment and it’s quite scary, to say nothing of nuclear and of other unresolved issues that could easily spill over into Europe. As a European resident, I’m particularly worried about that, and America’s international policy and approach to disarming the current conflicts.” Support for Ukraine weighs heavier when you live on the same continent. The growing war in the Middle East was another top concern, with some discussing Gaza, others democracy in the region, and others the rise in antisemitism. “I see the manyfold structure of it all. Israel is strongly dependent on the U.S. but looking at the greater picture … America seems to be a very strange force in this world, politically and socially,” says Matan who lives in Israel and votes in New York. The economy, which is the primary issue for domestic voters matters, but priorities differ. For many, living overseas means a bigger focus on exchange rates, the stock market, and other financial aspects that impact their retirement portfolio. Expats I spoke with were split on whether Democrats or Republicans are better for their finances. Many Americans overseas still have a stake in things back home. “I’m not 100% convinced about a particular party, I will vote for policies that promote a more balanced economy that doesn’t accumulate the wealth only with those at the top,” says Carlos, who lives in Oviedo, Spain but still owns a contracting company in Texas, where he says his customers have shifted from mostly middle class to wealthy. The most overlap with domestic voters seemed to be women’s rights. “Women’s reproductive rights is a huge priority as I live in a country where abortion is legal regardless of circumstance,” says Danielle, who moved from Boston to Amsterdam. Jen, who moved to Amsterdam from Arizona, reminded me that abortion is on the ballot in November — she’ll make her vote count. Along with climate change and preserving democracy, reproductive rights were a priority for Matt from the battleground state of Georgia. Ryan, who moved from Philadelphia to Bali, also listed reproductive rights as a top priority. Living overseas changes your perspective. My brother says I hold my fork and knife like a European, but that’s not the only difference. “I wish everyone could live in Europe for a while to see how easy life becomes. I had a baby in London and walked away with no medical bills. I could quit my job and find another without worrying about medical insurance…. public transportation is easy. I think so many people would vote differently if they could just experience all of the above,” says Jerramy, who moved to London from Montrose, Colo. It’s a sentiment I understand. Overseas voters swing blue, and it’s no secret. The Republican National Committee is challenging absentee voting rights and already launched a lawsuit in North Carolina arguing the act undermines the state’s residency requirements. Some states make it easier to vote than others. Multiple battleground states — including Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin — require ballots to be sent back via mail. The Federal Voting Assistance Program and The Overseas Vote Foundation are both useful resources for voters abroad. “We’re all gritting our teeth. Everyone is on edge,” says Matt from Georgia. The fight for the battleground states is happening overseas. In some ways, it’s apt, forcing candidates to focus on broader issues — a clear reminder of our global influence and with it, our global responsibility Lutz is a freelance writer focusing on international affairs, climate change, development, and health.