In honor of Women’s History Month DAJapan co-sponsors a virtual Asia-Pacific E.R.A. 100-Year Birthday Party

Join us on Fri March 24 at 7:30pm Japan time

This virtual gathering will include discussion on why the E.R.A. and equality matters, how gender issues are connected, the need for more leaders who understand the importance of gender equity and how what happens in the US impacts people elsewhere. 

Women’s History Month Asia-Pacific ERA 100-Year Birthday Party

Friday March 24 7:30-9:00pm

• 7:20 Virtual doors open
• 7:30 Welcome and official start
• Overview of the ERA and the Birthday party project
• Discussion: what the ERA means to me, what gender equality means to me
• 7:50
• Prepare for recording - options and ideas about how to do it
  
• 8:20 Next steps
• 8:30 Wrap up
• (~ 9:00pm online mingling and casual discussion)
• Looking for volunteers to help out - if you are interested contact [email protected]
• RSVP to get updated info and Zoom details

It’s time. Time to raise your hand and answer the call to lead.

Need help getting started? Dial into DACN’s DO SOMETHING Hours! 

These calls are are available for all members who:

• want to volunteer to get out the vote;
• have an interest in communications;
• are looking to host events;
• are interested in leading a DACN Caucus, Chapter, or Committee;
• hope to serve on the Leadership Board;
• and more!

RSVP to join the call to action, and find out how you can turn America Blue!

It’s time. Time to raise your hand and answer the call to lead.

Need help getting started? Dial into DACN’s DO SOMETHING Hours! 

These calls are are available for all members who:

• want to volunteer to get out the vote;
• have an interest in communications;
• are looking to host events;
• are interested in leading a DACN Caucus, Chapter, or Committee;
• hope to serve on the Leadership Board;
• and more!

RSVP to join the call to action, and find out how you can turn America Blue!

It’s time. Time to raise your hand and answer the call to lead.

Need help getting started? Dial into DACN’s DO SOMETHING Hours! 

These calls are are available for all members who:

• want to volunteer to get out the vote;
• have an interest in communications;
• are looking to host events;
• want to serve on the Nominations and Elections Committee;
• are interested in leading a DACN Caucus, Chapter, or Committee;
• hope to serve on the Leadership Board;
• and more!

RSVP to join the call to action, and find out how you can turn America Blue!

It’s time. Time to raise your hand and answer the call to lead.

Need help getting started? Dial into DACN’s DO SOMETHING Hours! 

These calls are are available for all members who:

• want to volunteer to get out the vote;
• have an interest in communications;
• are looking to host events;
• want to serve on the Nominations and Elections Committee;
• are interested in leading a DACN Caucus, Chapter, or Committee;
• hope to serve on the Leadership Board;
• and more!

RSVP to join the call to action, and find out how you can turn America Blue!

Learn how you can participate and gain the skills to turn out the vote in 2023 and beyond! 

This week's call will help explain all of the ways you as a DACN member can volunteer. This week we will focus on Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts.

Democrats Abroad volunteers offer voter assistance live and online. Multiple platforms are used for GOTV and there are a variety of ways you can participate!

• Ready to get started? Submit a Confidentiality Agreement, found here.
• Can't make it and want a 1:1 meeting? Email [email protected].
• Interested in phone training? Sign up now!  DemocratsAbroad.org/phonebanking_training 

RSVP via e-mail: [email protected], or add WeChat ID: Lizconsin to receive the Zoom link.

Learn how you can participate and gain the skills to turn out the vote in 2023 and beyond! 

This week's call will help explain all of the ways you as a DACN member can volunteer. This week we will focus on Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts.

Democrats Abroad volunteers offer voter assistance live and online. Multiple platforms are used for GOTV and there are a variety of ways you can participate!

• Ready to get started? Submit a Confidentiality Agreement, found here. 
• Can't make it and want a 1:1 meeting? Email [email protected].
• Interested in phone training? Sign up now!  DemocratsAbroad.org/phonebanking_training 

RSVP via e-mail: [email protected], or add WeChat ID: Lizconsin to receive the Zoom link.

Join as we structure communications for March and April. We will work on GOTV, AGM announcements, Caucus efforts, and more! 

Together we will create a schedule. We will collectively work on newsletters, news posts, targeted emails, social media posts, and event copy and graphics.

A main aspect of the meeting is sharing the tools provided in Global Comms and Vote From Abroad Comms teams and discussing how to effectively use them. Our communications goal is to better connect members, as well as to increase our outreach to other Americans abroad. 

Please RSVP for the Zoom meeting details. Should you have any issues, please email [email protected]

How can we tackle wealth inequality effectively in the United States? Providing opportunity and security from cradle to rocking chair is our progressive answer. Join our guest speakers to learn more about proposed legislation for Baby Bonds and Social Security Expansion.  Take action to make them reality.

Confirmed speakers:

• AYANNA PRESSLEY, U.S. Rep. Massachusetts CD-7 
• ALEX LAWSON, Social Security Works Executive Director 

Here are resources to prepare for the event:

• American Opportunity Accounts Act (Baby Bonds) https://pressley.house.gov/2023/02/15/pressley-booker-re-introduce-bicameral-baby-bonds-legislation-to-tackle-wealth-inequality/
• Social Security Expansion Act: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Social-Security-Expansion-Act-one-pager-Final.pdf
  

All are welcome to attend! Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link.

Thanks to our co-sponsors: Global Seniors Caucus, proDA Austria, proDA Germany

RSVP below for the Zoom link!

While there is no donation required to attend, the suggested donation for this event is $10. Click here to donate. Help Democrats Abroad volunteers mobilize voters around the world. Help us fight for progressive policy changes in the new Congress!

Democrats Abroad (DPCA) is planning the 2024 Presidential Nominating Process!

Learn more about the process and review plans here: democratsabroad.org/presidentialnominatingprocess

Please know you are welcome to attend DSP Town Hall events!

🔹Meeting 1 March 21, 2AM China

🔹Meeting 2 March 27, 10PM China

🔹Meeting 3 April 2nd, 3PM China

Next Steps:

Calling All DPCA Officers... to Vote On 2024 Delegate Selection Plan

Connection details will be emailed to all Democrats Abroad member RSVP's closer to the meeting date.

❖

Every four years, the Democratic Party begins designing the Delegate Selection Rules and a resulting nominating process for the next presidential election.

While the Rules drafting process begins anew after each Presidential election, many norms and traditions carry over, including a rule that lets some states hold their nominating contest early, which in 2024 will be South Carolina, Nevada & New Hampshire, Michigan, and Georgia.

Democrats Abroad has worked hard at crafting our Delegate Selection Plan, which is the guiding document as we play our part in nominating our Party's 2024 nominees for President and Vice President of the United States.

You can review a copy of our draft 2024 Delegate Selction Plan which was posted for public comment on our website on March 6, 2023, and submit your by writing to [email protected] through April 5, 2023.

(Please include the page and line number your feedback refers to in your email. Thank you!)

❖

NOTICE: This meeting will be recorded, including audio, video, and any materials exchanged or viewed during the session.

Join us as we watch this award-winning satire in which two astronomers aim to inform the world about a comet coming to destroy Earth. This film’s portrayal of the public’s reaction sparks lively discussion about where are heading when it comes to the climate crisis. We look forward to seeing you at this important film and discussion!

When you RSVP you will receive an email with the link to join on Zoom.

WHEN

April 02, 2023 at 8:00pm – 10:30pm Tokyo Time

WHERE

Online via Zoom (RSVP for info)

This Hasan Minhaj episode has perhaps never been more relevant as discussions about student loan forgiveness plans in the U.S. continue. Join us as we watch the episode and discuss our opinions on one of the most important issues affecting young voters!

When you RSVP you will receive an email with the link to join on Zoom.

WHEN

March 21, 2023 at 8:00pm – 10:30pm Tokyo Time

WHERE

Online via Zoom (RSVP for details)

⭐️ Tax advice needed: you asked, we listened! ⭐️ 

➡️ Join Democrats Abroad for a series of tax talks. Throughout February and March, members like you have the opportunity to learn valuable information on investing, filing, and more! 

1️⃣ How To File The FBAR

Tired of paying someone else to file the FBAR for you every year but not sure how to do it yourself? In this webinar, an expert will walk you through the process of filing the FBAR, which is free when you do it yourself. They'll show you the form, what information you need to provide, how to submit the FBAR online, and the filing deadline.

⏰ February 16 at 2:30AM
RSVP: www.democratsabroad.org/filefbar 

2️⃣ How To Catch Up On Filing US Taxes from Abroad

Did you forget to file a US tax return since you moved abroad, or have you been living outside the US for a long time (decades even!) but you've not been filing a US tax return? Join us to go over the IRS Streamlined Filing Procedure - the process to get caught up on your US tax filings. The good news is that you don't have to file for all the years that you missed, you potentially won't owe any US tax, and you might even be eligible for some money from the IRS depending on your circumstances.

⏰ February 22 at 4:30PM 
RSVP: www.democratsabroad.org/streamlinedfiling 

3️⃣ Investing For Americans Abroad And Dual Citizens

Although this isn't a tax event per se, we received high demand to host a webinar on investing. It is really difficult for Americans abroad and dual citizens (particularly in Europe) to find ways to invest their money in the country they live in as well as in the United States. We often feel like we're stuck in a rock and a hard place, unable to open an investment account in some cases and save for our futures. In this webinar, we'll go over investing basics and the options available. Please note, this session will focus on European Union regulations but will cover basic investing principles applicable anywhere.

⏰ March 1 at 4:30PM
RSVP: www.democratsabroad.org/investingabroad 

4️⃣ Retirement & Taxes For Americans Abroad

Are you starting to plan for your retirement, you're about to retire, or you're already retired? Ever wondered how taxes on your non-US pension works? Join us to go over common retirement tax issues like taxes on Social Security and how taxes on your US retirement plan works if you plan to retire abroad.

⏰ March 9 at 2:30AM
RSVP: www.democratsabroad.org/retiretaxevent 

⭐️ If you are unable to attend a live webinar, there is an option to receive a recording. If you would like Democrats Abroad China to put on an event at a different date or time, please email [email protected]. We would be happy to oblige!

⭐️ Questions are encouraged - submit yours early so that we shape the content of the webinars around what you want to learn the most!

📧 Send a message to [email protected] if you have any questions about the tax webinar series.

Right now Wisconsinites have a chance to fill a state Supreme Court seat and correct the course of justice!

Wisconsin is a small state that as of late has seen dark money pour in from outside parties. Reason number one to vote? To take back our voice!

Why Vote?

Balance of Power

The state legislature has been refusing to confirm Governor Evers’ appointments to government positions, leaving former incumbents in place despite the Governor’s power of appointment. In 2022, a state Supreme Court ruling paved the way for this abuse of the nominations process to continue. 

A popularly elected Governor can ... be held hostage by legislators in a gerrymandered legislature who are unable or unwilling to cooperate. - Barry Burden, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Elections Research Center

Gerrymandering

The Republican-controlled legislature adopted electoral maps that favor Republicans and reduce the number of Black-majority districts. Gov. Evers vetoed the maps, but the conservative-controlled Supreme Court ordered that Wisconsin will use the legislature’s map for the next 10 years. 

Recusal

Judicial decisions should not be affected by campaign contributions and dark money. The laws of our great state should not be determined on a pay-to-play basis. The integrity of our judiciary is on the line. We must elect justices who are impartial and committed to fair and balanced judicial review. We must elect justices who we can trust to recuse themselves in the case of conflicts of interest. 

Voting Rights

Americans, wherever they are, have the right to vote. This election, we have to vote to ensure we retain that right. Current efforts are underway in Wisconsin to limit the amount of time granted to overseas voters to return their ballots. All Wisconsin voters must return their ballots by mail, a process that is unpredictable and antiquated.

Abortion 

This is a life-or-death election. 

Since Roe v Wade was overturned, Governor Evers has tried to get the legislature to debate access to reproductive rights in Wisconsin. The legislature has refused, leaving the 1849 law which bans abortion in place. Attorney General Kaul has said that he will not enforce the 1849 law, setting up a dispute which is likely to head to the WI Supreme Court.

Who's Running?

There are four justices running in the nonpartisan primary. Wisconsinites will choose TWO candidates to move forward to the General Election in April. There are two liberal-leaning candidates who need our votes! Learn more: 

• Everett Mitchell
• Janet Protasiewicz

Request your 2023 ballot HERE

DACN's Bylaws and Rules Committee is forming for 2023!

Please submit your interest to the Chair by February 15, 2023.

Email [email protected].

How To Vote From China

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U.S. citizens have the right to vote in primary and general elections, wherever they reside!

If you're a U.S. citizen, dual-national, or will be 18 on November 8, 2022, you have the right to vote from abroad in US elections — including in the November 2022 midterms!

As a U.S. citizen, you can register to vote from abroad while living, working, or traveling overseas by submitting one form — the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). It doesn't matter if you were registered to vote before you left the U.S., how long you’ve lived outside the U.S., or if you've never resided in the U.S. at all. You have the right to vote!

The U.S. State Department recommends, “all U.S. citizens living abroad complete and submit a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) annually, to ensure you remain on your state’s voter rolls and to ensure your local election office has your up-to-date contact information.” Vote From Abroad provides all the information, forms, and support help in one place to make voting easy! Please note that there is no in-person voting, all voters in China must register and submit an overseas absentee ballot.

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States requiring ballot return via postal mail:

 Arkansas ✭ Connecticut ✭ Georgia ✭ Idaho ✭ Illinois ✭ Iowa ✭ Kentucky ✭ Maryland ✭ Michigan ✭ Minnesota ✭ Missouri ✭ New Hampshire ✭ New Jersey ✭ New York ✭ Ohio ✭ Pennsylvania ✭ South Dakota ✭ Tennessee ✭ Texas ✭ Vermont ✭ Virginia ✭ Wisconsin ✭ Wyoming

Visit www.votefromabroad.org/states for specific information by state

Don't wait, return your ballot immediately! 

HOW TO EXPRESS SHIP YOUR BALLOT USING SF EXPRESS:

1. 1. 1. Find the SF Express Mini Program on Wechat
      2. Select the third option at the top for International Shipping
      3. Select "Send Express"
      4. Fill out your address information and your Local Election Official's address information
      5. Schedule the pickup within an hour!
      6. Be sure the date/time are stamped on the outside envelope.

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What's covered on this page: 

1. Registering to vote and requesting your ballot

2. Confirming your request has been accepted

3. Receiving your ballot

4. Oct 1 and the ballot hasn’t arrived?

5. Voting your ballot

6. Returning your ballot

7. Checking twice to prevent mistakes

8. Confirming your ballot's arrival

9. What to do if you encounter difficulties

10. Getting your "I Voted from China" Stickers

1. Registering to vote and requesting your ballot for the 2022 midterm elections

The first step is to request your ballot, and if need be, register to vote from abroad. You should do this every election year to ensure you remain on your state’s overseas voter rolls and to ensure your local election office has your up-to-date contact information. It’s important to register as an absentee voter from abroad because the ballots of US citizens voting from abroad have special protections and are different from the standard absentee ballot. 

Go to votefromabroad.org to fill out your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) absentee ballot request — it is fully digital and fast! If you're not registered to vote, the FPCA also serves as a voter registration form. Choose the option to receive ballots by email.

The second step is to submit the FPCA absentee ballot request form to your local election office in the United States. Most states allow you to submit your FPCA directly from votefromabroad.org without the need to print it out. But some states require that you submit your completed form by email attachment, fax, or postal mail. State deadlines and submission methods can be found here.

If you have any questions while filling out your request form, go to the Vote from Abroad FAQ section or type your question in the website's chatbox (red circle in the bottom right-hand corner of each screen). Or you can email us at [email protected]. 

2. Confirming your request has been accepted  ✅

After submitting your FPCA absentee ballot request form, call or email your Local Election Official (LEO) to confirm they have received it and will be sending your ballot. Your LEO's contact information is listed in the instructions generated when you fill out your FPCA form at Vote from Abroad. You can also look up their contact info here. 

Most states provide a website where you can verify your voter status. To find your state's website, click here and scroll down to “Where Is My Ballot?"

3. Receiving your ballot 📬

Your overseas absentee ballot is not your standard absentee ballot back home! Thanks to the MOVE Act, all states must send FPCA-requested  absentee ballots to overseas voters no later than 45 days before a federal election — this year that’s September 24, 2022. 

And, if requested, all states must send overseas voters their ballot by email.

4. Your ballot hasn’t arrived? 📭

Check your spam folder. Still no ballot? Contact your local election official here and confirm they’ve sent your ballot to you. Visit votefromabroad.org if you are required to submit need a new FPCA absentee ballot request form.

Use a Back-up Ballot (FWAB) if your regular ballot hasn’t arrived. Download the FWAB HERE.

5. Completing your ballot 🗳️

Every race matters! It’s easier than ever to read up on candidates and ballot initiatives. There are some state ballots where party affiliation is not listed, such as in the case of school boards and judges. To determine who to vote for in 2022, you can do the following: 

• Visit Ballotpedia, where every state and election are listed.
• Check the League of Women Voters personalized ballot service.
• Find DA China on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Check out our graphic guides and follow candidates running in various state races.

➡️ Be sure to vote in every election listed on your ballot ⬅️

6. There are lots of ways to return your ballot! 

📌 Remember! Only use a mail service if you cannot return your ballot electronically 📌

Ballot return methods – by email, online, postal mail, fax – vary by state. Always return your ballot as quickly as possible, but especially if your state only allows postal mail return. Find your state's exact ballot return methods here.

If your state allows email, online upload or fax  for ballot return, please use these options as they’re not subject to delay! Here is more information on fax submission.

If your state requires postal mail return, see info below on options from China.

New Jersey: Please note that New Jersey allows for email or fax returns, but requires that the ballot ALSO be sent by postal mail.

New York: Here are instructions on How to fold the New York State General Election ballot.

➡ Courier Service:

This is the best way to ensure your ballot arrives expediently and is counted. Please send your ballot as soon as possible, as even courier services can experience delays. You should – and some states require you – ask for a postmark or date stamp to be placed on the outer envelope. Find out your state’s requirements here. 

➡ International Postal Service:  

If your state requires postal mail ballot return, one option is to use express international mail from China Post. Please remember mail service can be slow and send your ballot as soon as possible!

You should – and some states require you – to ask for a postmark or date stamp to be placed on the outer envelope. Find out your state’s requirements here. 

➡ The U.S. Embassy/Consulate diplomatic pouch:

The U.S. Consulate in China requests that ballots sent by the diplomatic post be dropped off no later than four weeks before the ballot due date. You will need to place your ballots in a U.S. postage paid return envelopes (usually provided with your ballot) or in envelopes bearing sufficient U.S. postage. Download a free U.S. postage-paid return envelope template at FVAP.gov. This can be cut and pasted, or printed directly onto an envelope.

In China, the deadline to drop off ballots is October 1st. Consulates are closed on U.S. and Chinese holidays, meaning they are closed October 1st. Make a plan to submit your ballot to a consulate by September 30th. More information can be found here. Please be aware that using the diplomatic pouch does not mean your ballot will arrive faster. It can take up to four weeks for the mail to reach its final destination.

📌 Remember! Only use a mail service if you cannot return your ballot electronically 📌

7. Checking twice to prevent mistakes 👀

When filling out and packaging your ballot, don't forget to review the instructions carefully. Don't let human error spoil your ballot!

Regardless of how you send in your ballot, remember that you – the voter – must be the one who places it “in the mail.” In some states, it is unlawful for any other person to handle your voted ballot, even if it is sealed. Unsure? Find out your state’s requirements here. 

8. Confirming your ballot's arrival at your local election office in the United States ✓✓

Once you've sent your ballot, follow up with your local election official to make sure that it arrived and will be counted. Please do not just assume that your ballot has made it! 

The easiest way to ensure your ballot has arrived is to go to "Track Your Ballot" on your state’s website. You can also look up your local election office's contact details here and contact them directly. They may be experiencing a high volume of calls, so you may need to be persistent to get through to someone.

9. Having trouble? Need help? 😕

We understand that the voting process to some states can be confusing — that's why we're here to help! Send us an email: [email protected], or contact [email protected].

10. Get your "I Voted from China" sticker

Find printable “I Voted from China” stickers here.

DACN has "I Voted" pins for sale, as well as free personalized, printable stickers. Please connect with us via social media, WeChat, or by emailing [email protected].

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Thank you for voting!

Please click below 👇  to let us know! 

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★ Midterms matter ★

Change is possible.

Change is knocking on your door.

Change has come in the form of a ballot that your local election official mailed, e-mailed, or sent you via an online portal.

Vote in 2022 elections, so we may all enjoy a safer, more equitable tomorrow.

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The following message was posted by the Asia Pacific Regional Vice Chair, Nicholas Gordon. It was posted on April 21, 2022, using Democrats Abroad's Mobilize platform.

This message serves as a 30-day notice for an Asia-Pacific Regional Meeting to be held on May 21 at 1:00am Eastern, i.e. a few hours before the start of day one of our Global Meeting. 

The purpose of this meeting will be for Asia-Pacific to elect a new member of the Democratic National Convention after the resignation of current DNC member Aaron Kruse. The winner of the election will serve the remainder of the term, which lasts until 2024.

The DNC member will be elected by members of the Democratic Party Committee Abroad based in Asia-Pacific—in other words, the Chairs, Vice-Chairs and Voting Representatives from Asia-Pacific Country Committees.

DNC members need to attend meetings of the DNC—the governing body of the Democratic Party—and build bridges between DA and other Party organizations. They join issue caucuses, attend committee meetings, and help make the needs of Democrats Abroad known within the organization. They will also communicate what happens at the DNC level to Democrats Abroad leaders and members. 

Candidates will be nominated from the floor and elected by DPCA voters in attendance. However, prospective candidates do not need to be DPCA voters to stand for election. 

Democrats Abroad’s DNC delegation must be gender balanced. Due to the self-proclaimed gender identity of the currently-serving DNC representatives, only DA members in Asia-Pacific who do not identify as female, i.e. male and nonbinary, are eligible to be elected.

As nominations will be made from the floor, interested candidates do not need to share their interest before May 21. 

Democrats Abroad members interested in attending can RSVP here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/nickrigordon/asia-pacific_regional_meeting_-_special_election_for_dnc_member_from_asia-pacific. Asia Pacific Regional Deputy Amerika Grewal will assist me in ensuring that the region’s DPCA voters attend the regional meeting.

Democrats Abroad members interested in attending can RSVP here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/nickrigordon/asia-pacific_regional_meeting_-_special_election_for_dnc_member_from_asia-pacific. Asia Pacific Regional Deputy Amerika Grewal will assist me in ensuring that the region’s DPCA voters attend the regional meeting.

Further details on election rules, including exactly how someone will be nominated from the floor, the amount of time given to candidates for introductions and questions, and how the voting process will be carried out, will be shared in advance of the meeting on May 21.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Gordon

AP DNC Rep Election is to be held May 21, 2022, at 1PM China Standard Time

Democrats Abroad China would like to recognize and thank our own Aaron Kruse for his hard work as Asia Pacific's DNC Representative!