Empowering the People to Save Democracy

Democracy is a verb. It isn’t something that is an inalienable right that we inherit and assume will be there for us always. It’s something we work for, practice and vote to maintain. Our active participation in the democratic process is our real power. 

Living abroad doesn’t place us outside American democracy. It is not a reason to ignore the process, or to “sit out” an election because we don’t like the candidates.  Just because we live in France is no reason to turn our emotions, attention and actions away from the country of our birth.  In many ways being here places greater responsibility on us.  Our votes matter.  Our voices matter, and our friends, family and country are counting on us to be present. It is often the global voter who helps decide elections, like France Democrats did for Atlanta with Warnock and Ossoff’s first elections.  We are a leverage for success when we act.  Our actions have often helped decide close elections, shape outcomes, and protect the integrity of the Democratic system. That means what you do from Paris, from France, from anywhere in the world is valuable, meaningful and still counts.

Showing Up Is the First Act of Power

Democracy doesn’t begin at the ballot box. It begins with our presence, with our actions.  GOTV is a priority.  Registering voters is key to our success and making sure they get out and vote on election day is crossing the finish line of a political marathon.  We have in Paris one of the best GOTV coordinators in Lisa Kohn.  She has built and continues to grow a strong team of volunteers who act.  If you want to be a volunteer, you can contact [email protected] 

The news is overwhelming, and politics gets exhausting, but showing up and staying engaged and active is the one super-power that cannot be denied us.  We the People have the individual and collective ability to reset the course back to democracy. It means checking your voter registration, paying attention to deadlines, and being part of the change rather than drifting to the sidelines.  Democracy is not a spectator sport.  It is a team sport and if our team doesn’t show up to play, we aren’t in the game. Even with life at its busiest, we can make a call, send an email, motivate another.  In other words, we can act.  Because 

Democracy is a Verb.

When people disappear, democracy doesn’t pause. It weakens quietly. We build momentum by showing up—consistently and intentionally—and creating a groundswell of political power in our base.  Our participation turns our action into impact.  This is why acting is essential to success.

When we participate in it, we make democracy tangible. By helping someone navigate overseas voting for the first time, volunteering your time to register voters or phonebank, sharing important information, or answering questions.  It is not opting out and hoping someone fixes things. We must be active players in the Democracy we hold so dear.

Democracy doesn’t require sacrifice. It requires active participation at whatever level you can act.  Most particularly now, Democracy needs protection because when we don’t act it weakens.  Democracy cannot defend itself. That is our job.

Voting rights, access, and trust are under attack. Voters outside the United States are especially vulnerable to being eliminated from the process.

Remember voting is not symbolic. It is leverage and an inalienable right when unused becomes a risk to Democracy. Democracy doesn’t need spectators. It needs participants.

Democracy is a verb. And today, the verb is VOTE.

In solidarity, 

Shelley Bradford Bell, Chair Paris Chapter, Democrats Abroad France

Did you know only 3.3% of eligible Americans in France voted in the last midterms?

We've got a huge opportunity ahead of us for this year. Here's a few ways you can make a difference.

1. Register to vote: Make sure you're registered to vote and have requested your 2026 ballot! At votefromabroad.org, there are easy, state-specific steps to register to vote. Once you've done that, send a note to your friends living abroad. Make sure they are registered too!
2. Attend an event: With new events every week, there's always an opportunity to get involved with the Democratic community here in Paris. We find that fighting fascism is better with friends.
3. Volunteer: Did you know Democrats Abroad France is 100% volunteer run? Everyone has unique gifts that they can contribute to this fight. From graphic designers and photographers to event coordinators and registering people to vote, we need all hands on deck. Check out our list of volunteer needs. 
4. Donate: turn anxiety into action. Democrats Abroad Paris runs on small, community donations. $5 registers two voters here in Paris. $25 helps register ten. $50 helps power outreach for dozens more. Every dollar is fuel for GOTV—printing, event space, outreach, and voter assistance. Give now, and then share the link with one friend. That’s how we build turnout.
5. Call your Members of Congress: Did you know we have a FREE France phone line provided by Democrats Abroad, so you can call your representatives back in the States? Save +33 07 55 53 64 46 in your phone. When you'll be connected directly to the U.S. Capitol Switchboard. Need script ideas? Sign up for our Take Action newsletter to stay in the loop!

In 2026, we have the opportunity to take back the House and the Senate, and put a stop to the completely unchecked Trump regime. But, it requires action.