This post is part of an archived series of blogs called The LeVine Line, written by former Ambassador Suzan G. LeVine during her time at U.S. Embassy Bern.
25 October 2016
This is the English translation of the recent OnePage.li magazine – a Liechtenstein magazine in German. It was written by me, Suzi LeVine, U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and my husband, Eric A. LeVine, Entrepreneur & Work-At-Home Dad.
Introduction:
The United States Presidential election is an incredible demonstration of our democracy – upheld by free speech, diverse opinions, and public engagement. It is a blend of both pomp & circumstance and grassroots grittiness. Although Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the United States are all democracies, our processes are all different. In this issue of OnePage, my husband, Eric, and I hope to give you both a high level overview of the flow of our Presidential election – as well as a very personal account of the various phases.
- Section 1: Getting Involved – 2005 Meeting Barack Obama for the first time
- Section 2: How an American Election Works: Elections & the millions of people who make it happen
- Section 3: What is Grassroots Campaigning?
- Section 4: Information Overload: A Few Keys to Understanding the State of Play (including state by state voting, the Electoral College, and separating the media from the math)
- Section 5: Voting: Who What, When How
- Section 6: Election Night 2008 – Our Story
- Section 7: Milestones in U.S. Election History
Conclusion:
The United States has had 240 years of peaceful transitions of power – just like those in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Our democracy – especially as framed by our founding fathers – has ensured that everyone has a voice and a vote. While we can’t predict who will win, I have faith in the American people and know that we will elect the President who will best represent us. That said, faith is not a strategy – voting is. So it will be critical for everyone to participate. No one can be complacent or take anything for granted in this (or any) election.
