Media Contact:
Jody Couser, Press Officer
Democrats Abroad
pressofficer@democratsabroad.org

Press Release
For Immediate Release

June 30, 2011

Democrats Abroad Celebrate Independence Day 

Worldwide Fourth of July Parties, Voter Registration Drives Planned

Washington, DC – Democrats Abroad members will celebrate Independence Day with voter registration events planned around the world. These events are of crucial importance this year due to the Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE Act). Under the MOVE Act, Americans living abroad must not only register to vote, but also apply for an absentee ballot after January 1st during the election year they wish to vote. Therefore in addition to registering Americans to vote,  Democrats Abroad will be providing information on how to request an absentee ballot in 2012 to ensure that all Americans living abroad can participate and make the difference in close elections around the country. Democrats Abroad is the official arm of the Democratic Party for Americans living outside of the United States.

"As Americans living abroad, we know that we can make a difference in elections at home.  In fact, our vote has made the difference in the outcome of many recent elections,” said Kenneth Sherman, International Chair, Democrats Abroad.  “While celebrating the Fourth of July in every corner of the world, we will also be registering Americans to vote so that we can help keep Democrats in Congress and the White House.  These gatherings will call upon our membership to begin preparations for a May 1-6, 2012 global primary where each of our country committees will have opportunity to elect delegates to the Democratic National Convention.”

Americans living abroad can register to vote at www.votefromabroad.org (VFA).This website is sponsored by Democrats Abroad and makes registering to vote simple for any American living abroad. 

Journalists interested in attending an event may contact the Democrats Abroad press officer at pressofficer@democratsabroad.org

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www.democratsabroad.org

Democrats Abroad is the official overseas branch of the U.S. Democratic Party. With members in more than 160 countries around the globe, Democrats Abroad holds eight positions on the Democratic National Committee and sends a voting delegation to the Democratic National Convention to select our presidential candidate.