A downstairs backroom in an Adelaide pub might feel like a long way from Democratic party headquarters but, for a group of American expats, it is the nearest thing to home right now.
As the US election unfolds, a few dozen members of the organisation Democrats Abroad Australia have gathered to either celebrate or commiserate.
"The American expat group has come to have fun and watch the results roll in," said Michigan-born Sara Lemanski.
"I used to live about 2 kilometres from the White House. I worked at 1400 Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House is at 1600.
"I literally walked past that building every day, five days a week, twice a day."
The event in the Gilbert Street Hotel was organised by Ms Lemanski, whose US-based family are supporters of US President Donald Trump.
Star-Spangled Banners have been draped across the room for the occasion, with other election material, including campaign posters, decorating the walls.
Ms Lemanski moved to Adelaide four years ago, months before the 2016 election, and said she was "nervous and anxious" about today's result.
"I was trained as a UN election observer … as someone who went to countries to watch elections, it's surreal," she said.
Ms Lemanski cast a postal vote several weeks ago, as did Democrats Abroad Australia's chair, Kent Getsinger, who now calls Adelaide home.
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Mr Getsinger said he was "pretty nervous" about the result and members wanted "massive change" in his home country.
"We've got a lot of members in Adelaide watching these election results," he said.
"We're watching very closely — it's still a bit of a rollercoaster.
"I am feeling really confident in the turnout that's happened. It's a cautious optimism, but the turnout has been amazing in the US.
"In the US, we have had twice the number of votes that have been cast since 2016 and we've already seen massive turnout."
The Democrats Abroad association is also holding election-watch parties in other cities including Brisbane, Canberra and Sydney.
