Former U.S. ambassador steps up calls to get Americans to vote ahead of midterms

OTTAWA — A former U.S. ambassador to Canada is encouraging the more than 600,000 Americans who live in this country to ensure they can vote in this fall’s midterm election.

Bruce Heyman says he and has wife are teaming up with former first lady Michelle Obama to remind American expats that voting is the most powerful way for them to continue to have a voice in Washington.

Obama launched a campaign called “When We All Vote” that is aimed at boosting voter participation ahead of the November midterm elections, which are gearing up to become a referendum on U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership.

Heyman says it is critical to ensure Americans are engaged in the voting process, pointing to sliding participation rates.