Americans in Sudbury worry about what divisive presidential race means for their homeland

Millions of Americans watched Wednesday night's final presidential debate, including somein Sudbury, Ont.

JaniceLeidlis a dual citizen originally from Indiana who moved north of the border to go to graduate school in 1985.

The Laurentian University professorsaid although she makes a point of mailing in her ballot for every U.S. election, she sent her vote for Hillary Clinton as early as possible this time.

Leidl said she's been surprised to hear how her neighbours and co-workers see her home country.

"They will be talking about 'Oh, those crazy Americans, and look how silly they are.' And I'm [saying] 'you've got a crazy American here with you and it's not a lot of fun,'" said Leidl, adding that she doesn't think the divisive campaign will have a lasting impact on the United States.

George Sidun was a registered Republican, like most of the people he knew back in his home town of Erie, Pa.

But living in Sudbury for the last 30 years has given him a new perspective on American politics. He said it's easier to see how adversarial the two-party system has become.

"It's like sitting on the bleachers of a ball game now," said Sidun, whose entire family moved north in the 1980s to set-up a business.

"Being in Canada, I'm looking at the whole game."

The unprecedented 2016 campaign inspired Sidun to mail in his ballot for the first time since moving to Canada.

"I just wouldn't want to see Donald Trump get his grubby little hands on the red button," Sidun said with a laugh.

Shirley Stenabaugh has lived in Sudbury for eight years, but is originally from upstate New York. She fears about what this election says about the direction her country is headed, and feels Canadians are treating the U.S. election too much like a reality TV show.

"They find it entertaining or funny to watch, but when you start to talk and explain what could happen and the potential outcomes, it becomes a bit more real," said Stenabaugh.

Stenabaugh plans on spending election night watching and worrying, while Sidun is throwing a party at his Lake Wanapitei home featuring Mexican food and a game that involves the building of a wall.