The Influence of Digital Media Regarding External Voting: The Case of Bulgarian-Americans in Minnesota

Abstract

In the United States, growing numbers of dual citizens and expatriates participate in external elections for their countries of origin. Prior to voting, these individuals consume diverse online media and are frequently exposed to politically charged or misleading content through social media and messaging platforms. While online content can strongly influence voting behavior, existing research largely focuses on general voter populations, leaving external voters underexamined. This study investigates the types of election-related information shared through digital media, its perceived credibility among external voters, and its influence on political alignment and willingness to vote. The research surveys Bulgarian Americans in Minnesota who have previously voted externally. Preliminary findings indicate that online media engagement, especially with national media, is positively correlated with extremist tendencies and increased electoral participation.

Keywords

• Digital media
• elections
• Bulgaria
• the Bulgarians of Minnesota
• diaspora politics

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