We are now accepting nominations for the bi-annual election of Regional Vice Chair (RVC) for the Americas region! The election results will be announced during the virtual Americas Annual General Meeting on the 11th of May at 5pm EDT. One vote is allocated to each  country committee that is in compliance and will be cast solely by country committee chairs and vice chairs. The chair and vice chair each country carry ½ vote. If only the chair or the vice chair are able to cast their vote then that vote will be counted as one vote.

Democrats Abroad has three RVCs, one for each region, who:

• Are elected to a two year term that begins and ends with the regional election.
• Cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.
• Serve as one of 8 voting members of the International Executive Committee. Meetings are currently held weekly and typically last from two to three hours, but this is subject to change with the new leadership. 
• Organize and lead monthly regional calls of about one to two hours to encourage, inform, and create a sense of community among regional country committees. 
• Organize and lead a one to three day annual regional meeting to encourage, inform, and create a sense of community among regional country committees. When practical, these annual meetings are held as in-person events with remote participation available. 
• Act as a liaison between the International Executive Committee and one or more of the Democrats Abroad committees, lending a hand to the committee chair and assuming chair responsibilities should that position not be filled.
• Assist in organizing and attend the annual Democrats Abroad Global Meeting, preferably in person when conditions allow. Note that travel costs are the responsibility of the RVC.
• Work with existing country committees to mediate and resolve issues within their committees including election issues, membership queries, etc. 
• Track compliance status of country committees with Charter requirements and work with emerging and out-of-compliance countries to help bring them into compliance.
• Communicate International Executive Committee decisions, policies, and Democrats Abroad best practices to the country committee leaders.
• Bring regional issues to the International Executive Committee for discussion and resolution.

The eligibility requirements for RVC are as follows: 

• Be a citizen of the United States. 
• Be a member of Democrats Abroad residing within a country in the Americas region.
• Adhere to the principles of the Democratic Party of the United States.
• Due to the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents of the region who are temporarily residing outside of their country of residence due to the pandemic may still run for  RVC.  There must be an intent to return to the Americas following the lifting of travel restrictions.

Self-nominations and nominations by others are both welcomed and encouraged! The nomination form is attached to this email. Please submit any nominations using this attachment to the NEC Chair Jody Quinnell at [email protected] no later than 11:59pm EDT  April 15th. Each nominee if nominated by another member is required to accept their nomination by emailing the NEC Chair no later than April 18th.

Candidates who have self nominated or have accepted the nomination from another shall be expected to speak for approximately five minutes at the April 20th regular monthly meeting of the Americas Region outlining  their background, experience working with DA, and their unique qualifications for serving as RVC for the Americas. 

Ballots will be distributed via email on April 21st with instructions as to how to complete and the deadline to return.  Ballots must be returned to the Chair of the NEC no later than 11:59pm EDT May 10th. Email: [email protected].

The winning candidate will be announced at the Americas 2021 AGM on May 11th.

Please forward questions about this election to any member of the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC).

Thank you on behalf of our entire committee for your participation.

Jody Quinnell (Chair) Former Americas RVC   
Stephanie Matthes, Argentina  
Michaela Rivera, Mexico   
[email protected]