Every four years, as the next US presidential election approaches, the speculation begins anew.

Will thousands of Americans move to Canada if their candidate loses?

In “At a Loss? There’s Always Canada,” the New York Times writes that “The pledge (to move across the border) comes mostly from left-leaning Americans who view Canada, with its universal health care and cultural progressiveness, as a liberal refuge from Red State America.”

However, do people actually make the move?

The Times reports that “…the number of United States citizens who permanently reside in Canada doubled during George W. Bush’s presidency (from 5,800 in 2000 to 11,200 in 2008, according to Citizen and Immigration Canada).”

It may not be elections motivating the move, though. The Times concludes that “pocketbook issues outweigh politics,” with far more people relocating for work than for political reasons.

So, what do Canadians think of Americans’ declarations to relocate after the election?

The Washington Post conducted a twitter poll and concluded that Canadians are amused by American threats to move north if their candidate loses.

Some of the comments:

Cool by me as long as it’s only the good ones. But do they know about our winter?

We welcome them. After all we took the loyalists after independence….

Personally, I would like you to handle your own drama. But, you know, we’ve got room.

Here’s a question for the Americans out there: Did you come to Canada for political reasons?

Would you move across the border if your candidate loses?

Please leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Obama-Romney photo/caricature by DonkeyHotey (flickr)