August 19, 2017
MELBOURNE—In preparation for the 2018 congressional mid-term elections, members of the Victorian chapter of Democrats Abroad Australia (DAA) met Saturday afternoon at The Kingston Hotel with a full agenda up for discussion. Fresh off a chapter protest of the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial Citizens United v. FEC campaign-finance reform case, those in attendance were clearly motivated to continue resisting Republican policies and taking political activism to the next level as evidenced by the numerous members in attendance.
After taking a moment of silence for the victims of recent violence by white supremacists, Klansmen, and neo-Nazis in Charlottesville, Virginia, members descended into spirited dialogue on what local Democrats could do to continue the Party’s “summer resistance” to the Trump administration.
Thomas Lopez, the state chair, laid out a strategic vision for what actions the members should engage in to improve their chances of Democratic victories in next November’s elections.
"I’m not at all surprised that our members like Marybeth and Liz immediately volunteered to participate in leading the newly-created local task forces in addition to others wanting to contribute to the Women’s Caucus 2018 calendar creation of noteworthy women in American history. I am proud to work alongside Democrats in Victoria who are always prepared to step up when called upon," stated Mr. Lopez.
Among the key points stressed by Mr. Lopez was a reminder to have every American living locally to vote in all eligible upcoming U.S. elections, and the importance of the chapter doing everything possible to regain a Democratic majority in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Longer-term goals discussed by Lopez included fighting President Trump’s anti-American policies and continuing to urge federal legislators to enact residency-based taxation, and initiative which was well-received. Democrats Abroad encourages all members to review its “RBT Campaign In A Box” (http://bit.ly/2rgYUSY) to become familiar with this popular issue among Americans abroad.
Also discussed were the various initiatives currently undertaken by Democrats across the globe including effective communications with legislators and issues important to the U.S expatriate community.
The next meeting of the Victorian chapter is tentatively scheduled for mid-November, with a possible in-between date in a regional Victoria location in committing to member outreach outside of the greater Melbourne area. The dates, times and locations will be posted on the DAA-Victoria web site once confirmed, Lopez said.
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Democrats Abroad is the official arm of the U.S. Democratic Party for Americans residing outside of U.S. states and territories. The Victoria chapter of Democrats Abroad Australia is an active and dedicated group of members that primarily focus on exercising their right to vote from abroad and electing Democratic candidates, in addition to raising awareness of and advocating for issues that concern Americans living abroad.