Dear Edmonton Democrats,

    Welcome to those who have recently joined our contact list! I am Marilyn Gaa, your tireless leader. Feel free to contact me with questions, suggestions, comments. Every attempt is made to bundle information in each note, sent only  when there is new information.  As a local chapter of the US Democratic Party, we do our best to assist American voters to cast their absentee ballots. Along the way, we have some social activities and communicate with the media and public about election issues. About a dozen members have committed to meet about once a month to make plans and share the tasks of Democrats Abroad - Edmonton. Anyone interested in joining this sub group is most welcome!

    We do not collect money for our activities or for candidates, but encourage members to donate personally online to:   BarackObama.com  (scroll down to the very bottom and click on  the option to donate from outside the USA) or by mail:  Obama for America, P.O. Box 802797, Chigago, Ill., 60680 USA.

    The campaign is getting more intense and dramatic as Nov. 4 approaches. Many say it is the most important election of their lifetime. Recent polls are encouraging but there are possible pitfalls ahead. Michael Moore points out the urgent need to register every voter, right now. The prospect of citizens being turned away from the polls for clerical errors or omissions is real. Will elections be run more fairly and efficiently than in 2000 and 2004? Obama's victory must be a landslide to overcome the gremlins in the system.

VOTER REGISTRATIONS:

    In August, Sept. and Oct. Democrats Abroad has offered voter information at tables at three locations on six different days. Thanks to  the enthusiastic volunteers (Craig, Louise, Evan, Diana, Mark, and Mary), we have assisted more than 100 new voters! Everyone counselled was urged to  inform countless others. In the past 2 days, 50 wildly popular Obama/ Biden buttons were given out for donations, more coming soon, read on...

     It is almost too late! Be sure to ask American friends and colleagues if they are registered for absentee ballots, and also contacts within the US if they are registered to vote. Deadlines vary from state to state, Monday the 6th is the cut off for about 10 states, and roughly 25 have deadlines next week. Requests must be postmarked ASAP.  Votefromabroad.org   is the website that provides Federal forms and instructions for

requesting absentee ballots and also provides a write-in generic ballot which should be used after mid Oct. if the voter has not recieved a ballot from his/her polling place. Some states have relaxed timetables. Email me at marilyngaa@telusplanet.net or phone 780-432-7660 before giving up.

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES (past):

    July 4 Picnic at Hawrelak Park, a great success!

    Aug. 28, CBC invited Democrats Abroad to watch Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the studio's interactive space in City Centre Mall. About 40 people attended from our membership and the general public.

    Friday, Sept. 26, The Windsor Pub welcomed Democrats Abroad to watch the first Presidential Debate. About 25 of us enjoyed the evening of discussion, drinks and food. Who won? It was obvious!

    Thursday, Oct. 2, DA members watched the VP debate and also the Canadian Federal Leaders' debate at home. Much discussion followed the next day around the voter information table on campus.