Happy Golden Week! Hope you’ve been able to enjoy the holidays. Cinco de Mayo is coming up soon, as well as Kanto’s next speakeasy. See below also for a quick recap on the Annual General Meeting, updates on the Special Election, information on voting from abroad, upcoming conventions, and more. As always, sign up to volunteer here and donate to DAJ here.
🌟DAJ and DA Asia-Pacific News and Upcoming Events
DA Japan’s Annual General Meeting Recap
DAJ's Annual General Meeting for 2024 was successfully held on Sunday April 21st, giving updates on efforts since the new term and information on upcoming plans and events. Thank you to all who attended! Wonderful to see familiar and new participants, both online and in-person.
Minutes from the 2024 Annual General Meeting can be viewed here.
The slide deck has also been made available and can be viewed here.
2024 DAJ Special Election
The Nominations and Elections Committee for the 2024 Special Election was officially appointed on Sunday April 21st, and the members are as follows:
- Raymond K. Terhune (Chair)
- Gwen Catley (Secretary)
- Patrick Shumaker
As decided by the committee, the Special Election will be held to elect a National Secretary and all four Member-At-Large positions (Hokkaido; Northeast Honshu; Southwest Honshu; Kyushu, Shikoku, Okinawa).
More updates to come.
Kanto Chapter May Speakeasy
Thurs, May 9, 7:30pm
Aldgate Pub, Center Gai, Shibuya
Every 2nd Thursday of the month, join fellow chapter members at the Aldgate Pub in Shibuya for good company and conversation. Learn more about Democrats Abroad Japan, talk politics, elections—or not! Bring friends and make new ones! RSVP here
“Cinco de Mayo” Event
Sunday, May 5th 2pm-5pm
Near Demachiyanagi Station by Kamo River, Kyoto
Join DAJ in Kyoto for a picnic to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Come learn about the background of this historic date, meet people, and share food, culture, and language! For inquiries, contact [email protected]. RSVP here.
2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Convention
Saturday, May 25th 12:30pm
Online
All Democrats Abroad members are welcomed to attend the Asia-Pacific Convention, where selected electors (National Chairs, National Vice Chairs, DPCA Voting Representatives) will be electing 1 DNC member, 1 Delegate to represent the Asia-Pacific region at the Democratic National Convention, and 2 members of the Platform Committee. RSVP here.
Nominations are currently open now until May 10th at 4pm JST to submit candidacy for the DA Platform Committee, and the form can be accessed here.
How Vote in 2024 from Japan
REQUEST YOUR 2024 ABSENTEE BALLOT TODAY
Remember! As an overseas voter, your voter registration and ballot requests must be filed at the beginning of each calendar year so that you can vote in every election in 2024. Visit https://www.votefromabroad.org/ to request your ballot. Ask for your ballot to be sent by email. Plan to vote in your state’s Democratic primary for Senate, State Representative or other non-presidential offices? It may be coming up fast! VotefromAbroad.org has all the state-by-state info you need. And for a one-page roundup of how to vote from Japan, visit our dedicated page on the DAJ website here. Tell your friends and family!
🌟DA Global News and Upcoming Events
DA Country Committee Phonebanking
Now until May 31st
Other DA Country Committees have been calling their members, encouraging them to request their ballot and get engaged locally, and they need help to finish their campaigns by May 31st. If you’re trained and have time this month, please login into CallHub to join a campaign and make some calls.
Global phonebanking campaigns to DA members in battleground states and districts will start in August and run through the November 5th election. To help reach and mobilize these voters, get trained for phonebanking here.
Zoom the Vote
Sundays at 4pm-5pm
Need help registering/requesting your 2024 overseas ballot? Get 1:1 live voter help through Zoom the Vote! Sessions will be held every Sunday at 4pm-5pm. Access the zoom link here.
International Taxpayer Online Problem Solving Day
Saturday May 18th, 8am - 11am
Do you have a tax question or an outstanding issue with the IRS? Sign up for this upcoming free Problem Solving Day conducted by the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS), which offers one-on-one assistance for US taxpayers residing outside of the U.S. RSVP here.
2024 Democrats Abroad Global Convention and Annual General Meeting
Friday May 31st - Sunday June 2nd, Costa Rica Time
This year’s global convention and annual general meeting will take place in Costa Rica, also celebrating 60 years for Democrats Abroad. Online participation is also possible.
Check more information and RSVP here.