these Guyanese who vote in the United States

Everyone in his circle of friends did the same. “On our WhatsApp group, we share our photos with our little badge given during the vote. » If the group of friends easily shares opinions and photos, they do not align with their electoral choice. “The polls give very close results. Everyone is waiting to find out what will happen because we have two candidates with completely different visions. This creates divisions even among friends. » Despite these dissensions, there is no question of letting politics spoil friendly relations: “Our friendship goes beyond politics. If I have a problem tomorrow, I'll call my friends, it won't be Trump or Kamala. »

Like Cindy Montgénie, Olivier Lucenay has already voted. Having lived in the United States for 11 years, he obtained American nationality two years ago. So this first vote, in New Jersey where he now resides, has symbolic value. “ I worked hard to have this dual nationality. Voting is a privilege that I finally have. » Also a business leader, he is cautious when it comes to talking politics. « Politics and Covid are two subjects to avoid. It's not good for business. ? Overall, I noticed that unlike France, where we like to debate politics, in the United States, it is rather frowned upon to discuss it. ».

However, in the gym he owns, politics comes up. « A gym is like a hair salon, people talk. I have the impression, when we discuss social issues, that business leaders are more focused on Trump and the Republican Party, while employees are more focused on Kamala Harris and the Democrats. »

In New York, where he has just returned after a French tour with the Alvin Ailey company, Yannick Lebrun took advantage of the last day of “ early voting », last Sunday. Franco-American since 2020, he is voting for the first time in the presidential election. « I have already voted for local elections, but this is something else. It's historic ! All of America holds its breath. There are two opposing visions and for the first time a black woman could become president of the United States. »

Like the other Guyanese interviewed, Yannick Lebrun does not wish to say who he voted for. « The atmosphere is calm in the streets. People don't talk openly about politics. But the people who are speaking out want change. There are also a lot of undecided people… » In his entourage, no activists. But Yannick Lebrun knows people who have attended meetings. « Today, I especially feel the stress of waiting. There is also a little worry : The fear is that if Kamala Harris wins, Trump supporters will react like January 6, 2021 ». To avoid reliving this moment when Donald Trump's supporters invaded the Capitol, certain administrations and businesses are already preparing to ensure their security.

Tuesday, election day, the eyes of the whole world will be focused on Uncle Sam. On site, Cindy Montgénie, like the others, will not miss a bit of what will happen. « I'm going to follow the election on TV, alone at home. I hope it won't be like 2020 where we waited three weeks to get the results ! »

Unlike France where the president is elected by direct universal suffrage, the United States chooses its president by indirect universal suffrage. So, tomorrow, in reality, it is for the electoral college, the famous “ major voters » that citizens will vote. Then, these 538 elected officials will choose the future president who must win at least 270 votes. This means that in the United States, a president can lose the election even though he has won the majority of the popular vote. This is what happened to Hillary Clinton in 2016 against Donald Trump or to Al Gore in 2000 against George W. Bush.