Australia

- Dianne C, from Maryland, living in Sydney

A musician and mother of two who has lived in Australia for more than 20 years, Dianne describes herself as a lifelong Democrat, and has already voted for Joe Biden at the US consulate in Sydney. Dianne, who grew up in Virginia and most recently lived in Maryland, told the Guardian she has become “completely distressed” watching the Trump presidency from outside the country, particularly out of concern for her family who still live in the US.

“This wasn’t the America I grew up with, and it’s deeply saddening to watch it deteriorate as much as it has.”

‘This wasn’t the America I grew up with’: Dianne on Donald Trump’s presidency.

Having lived in Australia for several US elections, Dianne said the upcoming vote had generated more interest and discussion among her Australian friends than ever before. “I’m often asked to explain why Americans are listening to Trump and voting for him, and I can’t answer that. I don’t know why. It’s unbelievable.”

Gun control in the US had become a real concern for Dianne. Before she moved to Australia, two of her first cousins were murdered by a gunman not known to them. “That’s just the way it is in America, that’s what it’s become,” she said, noting she has “never felt as safe walking the streets after work” as she does in Sydney.

Dianne will feel “relieved” if Joe Biden is elected president, but she is worried riots could break out, noting there may be angry Trump supporters who own guns “venting their frustrations”.