For the first time ever, I got to experience a U.S. Presidential Election overseas, which was a unique and fascinating experience. Particularly because of the country I currently am posted. It was also the first time I hadn’t voted in person since I first became eligible to vote in the 2003, being one of the few Texas exceptions to a mail in ballot since I am not located domestically.

Worldwide, Embassies host watch parties, where they invite various local guests, other diplomats, and dignitaries to watch the events unfold. The same holds true in Myanmar, where I felt our local staff were incredibly interested in our election process. Perhaps it’s because in nearly 80 years, they have only had a single election that didn’t immediately get thrown out by the military. Either way, they seem more engaged than the nearly 40% of our country that doesn’t bother voting at all.

It was fun and weird explaining our electoral process. Most of the questions I got were asking to explain how someone could win the popular vote but still not become president, a few asked who I voted for, and a few asked what is the difference between a senator and a congressperson.

Throughout it all, we are expected to maintain an apolitical posture, not giving any hints one way or another as to our political leanings. Our purpose is to educate on the process, and why we do the things we do. Although not too difficult, it is interesting having to keep a stone cold face as results come in, and not react. You see, because President Biden is stepping down, for those of us in the State Department, the election meant that no matter what, we would be getting a new boss come January. So not only as citizens do we take a civic interest in the outcome, we do as executive employees as well.

Now comes the fun part of seeing who President Trump nominates to be our new boss as Secretary of State, and what new foreign policies they plan to implement. A lengthy federal career means serving elected officials on both sides of the political spectrum, and it is our job as civil servants to uphold the constitution while implementing the policy of each administration. Here’s to a smooth transition and successful 4 years. -Nick