Dual citizens in Finland reflect on U.S. presidential elections and their global impact

Nineteen-year-old Edward Worster is closely following the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. Worster holds citizenship in both Finland and the United States, having lived in Finland his entire life while his paternal family resides in Maine. “The outcome of the elections is as thrilling as for any citizen. There are two candidates with very different principles,” Worster comments. As a dual citizen, he was able to vote, doing so via remote access.

Worster reflects on the significant impact elections can have on global politics, although he feels they may not have an immediate effect on daily life. He also speculates that the actual consequences might be less pronounced than anticipated. “I believe everything will continue on normally. I don’t think there will be much difference regardless of which candidate wins.”

His fellow student, 20-year-old Veeti Alatalo, does not have U.S. citizenship, but spent much of his childhood in Washington State. His parents still live in the U.S. and hold citizenship. After high school, Alatalo decided to return to Europe. “I think the elections have a considerable impact on life, especially if you have family in America while living abroad,” he says, mentioning concerns about visa issues influenced by Republican candidate Donald Trump’s rhetoric.

Alatalo observes that the political climate in the U.S. has shifted significantly, noting that it could lead to protests post-election results. “When I started school there, the atmosphere was quite different compared to now. Friendships are even breaking apart over differing opinions.”

With the decisive moments of the election expected early Wednesday morning Finland time, Worster states, “It’s fascinating to monitor which states are voting for whom.” In Finland, about 7,500 adults hold U.S. citizenship or dual citizenship, including around 100 in Lappeenranta.