March 08, 2025

ANNOUNCEMENT OF DAJ 2025 NATIONAL + CHAPTER ELECTIONS


UPDATE APRIL 19TH: Voting is now open for the 2025 DAJ National Election. Members have two ways to vote:

  1. Fill out a digital ballot. (if you access the digital ballot link from the email with the subject line "[BALLOT ENCLOSED] DAJ National Election 2025" sent on April 19th, your membership number will be automatically filled in.)
  2. Print and fill out a PDF ballot, then take a scan or image of the completed ballot and email it to [email protected] 

All ballots must be returned by Saturday May 17th at 23:59 Japan time.

UPDATE APRIL 14TH: Information about candidates, the ballot and voting process, and ballot counting meeting for the National Election has been posted here.

National Election Information

The Nominations and Election Committee (NEC) for the Democrats Abroad Japan 2025 National Election are seeking passionate individuals to support DAJ’s ongoing efforts in helping Americans living abroad register to vote and participate in local and federal elections. 

We are filling the following national-level positions and are excited to open nominations for candidates to serve during the 2025-2027 term.

Open Positions (Check here for positions descriptions)

  • National Executive Committee Officer positions: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, & Counsel
  • Members-at-Large positions (one for each region): Hokkaido, Eastern/Northern Honshu, Western/Southern Honshu, Kyushu/Shikoku/Okinawa
  • One (1) DPCA Voting Representative
  • Two (2) DPCA Alternate Voting Representatives

Considerations 

  • Officers serve two (2) year terms (2025-2027)
  • No officer may serve more than two consecutive terms in the same office 
  • Pursuant to Article III of the DAJ Bylaws, officers must be DAJ members in good standing
  • Pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the DAJ Bylaws, “The Chair and Vice-Chair shall not be of the same sex”
  • The National Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer also serve as DPCA Voting Representatives

DA Japan Bylaws are available here:
https://democratsabroad.atlassian.net/wiki/pages/viewpageattachments.action?pageId=5285216801&preview=%2F5285216801%2F5329521017%2FDA-Japan-Bylaws-Rev-2019.pdf

Key Dates

Event

Date

Notes

Nominations Period

March 8 - April 7

 

DAJ members can nominate themselves or another member by sending an email to [email protected] with the following information:

  • Full name of the nominee

  • Nominee's phone number, address, and email

  • The title of the position the nominee is running for

Due by 23:59 Japan time on April 7th.

 

Informational Meeting 

March 15

RSVP here: National Elections Committee (NEC) & By-Laws Committee Town Hall

500-word Candidate Statements Due

April 13

If running for a position, please submit the statement by 23:59 Japan time on April 13th.



Meet The Candidates Meeting 

April 19

DAJ members will have an opportunity to meet and hear from candidates during DAJ’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). This will be held both in-person and virtually.

Voting Period

April 19 - May 17

Ballots will be distributed electronically on April 19th. Ballots will be accepted until 23:59 Japan time on May 17th.

Ballot Count Meeting

May 18

Location & time TBD.

Election Results Notification

Within 15 days of Ballot count



Remember, nominations must be submitted in writing no later than 23:59JST on Monday April 7th to the Elections Committee to [email protected].

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the (NEC) by email: [email protected]

DAJ 2025 National Nominations and Elections Committee:

Anna Costello, NEC Chair
Celia Mazy, NEC Secretary
Jessica Awanohara

Chapter Elections Information

In addition to the national-level election, Nominations and Election Committees (NEC) have been formed for each of the following DAJ regional Chapters:

  • Kanto 
  • Kansai 
  • Tokai 

The following chapter-level positions are open for candidates to serve during the 2025-2027 term:

  • Chair
  • Vice-Chair
  • Secretary
  • Treasurer

Chapter level officers function similarly to that of the National Executive Committee. Chapter officials define regional goals for their term, create a schedule of social events, and organize support for Get Out The Vote activities that activate and engage local members.

Nominations are now open for all chapter elections.

Check this space and the following communication channels for continued updates: