‘Consternation’ in Hamilton and Niagara after ‘anxiety-ridden’ U.S. election day [Video]

There was a nervous energy in a Hamilton pub on Tuesday night as members of the Hamilton and Burlington, Ont., chapter of Democrats Abroad gathered at The George Hamilton pub to watch as election results started coming in.

“I believe this is my 14th presidential election since I reached voting age and I’ve never been more anxiety-ridden,” chapter chair Ron Barrett told CBC Hamilton. He came to Canada from Illinois 14 years ago and has a property in Michigan, where he votes.

Many U.S. citizens abroad, as well as their children, can vote in that country’s elections. The mission of Democrats Abroad is to encourage voting, Barrett said, no matter who it’s for.

This year, he said, the “consequences are tremendous.” 

Pointing to statements Donald Trump made about seeking revenge on his political opponents, Barrett said he worries about what could happen if the Republican presidential candidate wins.

“Most people I know just want this to be over and are hoping for a blue win.”

But in the early hours …