MESSAGE FROM DA SPAIN CHAIR, ANDREW ANDERSON
Greetings to all as we head into spring of 2026. I know that those who read this newsletter are probably up to speed with events in the United States and the world.
I wish to convey that I have sentiments similar to the ones that you may be having. Yet, as I pause to consider, I see that this is a great opportunity to convey how important your role is in helping to send the message back home that what's happening is not okay.
How do we do this? Simple: by ensuring that you are registered to vote in your home state or last place of residence in the United States. You can do this by going to the Vote From Abroad website and by checking your registration to vote by state. I just did this for the special election in Virginia. The website is very easy to use. If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to reach out to your local branch in: Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Málaga, Alicante, Valencia or Granada.
Another way you can be a huge help is to message Americans you meet in your cities and neighborhoods. As you may know, many Americans are moving to Spain and this would be a great way to connect and find out if they are registered to vote in the upcoming midterms.
In the coming weeks and months, we will have a message campaign to reach the maximum number of Americans in Spain. Your voice and engagement will help contribute to that end and I thank you in advance.
The midterms are around the corner. You, the voter, have the power in your hands to effect change. Or as President Obama said, and I paraphrase, “Sí se puede.”
GOTV, or Get Out The Vote, is the lifeblood of Democrats Abroad (and of democracy). In the most important election year of any of our lives, when the current leader of the country is doing everything possible to cling to power, registering to vote and voting are acts of resistance.
Are you ready to vote in 2026? If you haven’t sent in a ballot registration/request form this year, do it now at www.votefromabroad.org. It takes less than 10 minutes, and after submitting and confirming receipt, you are ready to vote in all 2026 elections. Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. Wondering about election dates and deadlines? Go to www.votefromabroad.org/states and type in your state. Prefer to get in-person voter assistance? Look for upcoming events in your area at www.democratsabroad.org/es_events or join an online event here: https://www.votefromabroad.org/voter-support/
The general election will be held on November 3, but don’t wait until then to engage in democracy! Make sure the candidate you support is on the ballot in November by supporting and voting for them in the primary election. Unsure about candidates, ballot measures and other election-related issues? Consult ballotpedia.org. Every election — and every vote — matters.
Phonebanking
While the phonebanking campaign is going well, we really need more callers in order to reach our goal of contacting all callable members by the cutoff date of May 31. This is a hard stop and there will be no possibility to make any calls after this date.
If you are already trained — get on CallHub and start calling! If you need training, you can find all of the information you need here. It’s never too late to get trained and get involved.
This is your chance to DO SOMETHING! The members that we contact are usually happy for the reminder and country campaigns have proven to be successful in getting out the vote.
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ALICANTE
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By Edmond Cobos
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No updates from the Alicante chapter this month, but visit our Facebook page for upcoming announcements.
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BARCELONA
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By Doris Stanger & Rachel Sair |
The Barcelona Chapter has had a very busy few months! Our No Tyrants protest in Plaça Sant Jaume on March 28 was a resounding success, drawing a crowd of 300 protesters with eye-catching signs, three dancing frogs, chanting and live music performed by one of our members. We were honored to have Reed Brody as our keynote speaker, the renowned international human rights lawyer known as the “Dictator Hunter.” A massive THANK YOU goes out to the many volunteers who worked so hard to make this happen — it would not have been possible without each and every one of you.
Our monthly Wake Up Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday events continue to be major draws, evolving into ongoing voter registration events as well. We kicked off Women’s History Month with an inspiring Movie Night, screening Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print. More than 20 readers gathered on April 11 for Book Club to discuss On Freedom by Timothy Snyder. And our post-book-club fundraising dinner brought in over $300 for GOTV efforts! We are already looking forward to our next book club on July 25, when we will dive into Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow.
Our Annual General Meeting was in person on April 18 and featured a powerful keynote by Julia Bryan (DNC Member and former DA International Chair), who energized the room by sharing specific actions we can all take to make a difference. After an overview of how DA works and a look back at our accomplishments over the past year, we turned toward the future with our slogan: “Ask not what Democrats Abroad can do for you, ask what you can do for Democrats Abroad.” Members jumped into a brainstorming session on how to get involved while aligning with our core goals: building community, raising funds, and getting out the vote. We capped off the day with a wonderful fundraising lunch and excitement for the months ahead!
You can find all of our upcoming events here.
We are always looking for volunteers, especially in this critical election year. If you’re interested in helping, please contact us at [email protected] or fill out our volunteer form.
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GRANADA
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No updates from the Sevilla chapter this month, but visit us on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming events and announcements.
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MADRID
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By Maggie Zelonis |
DA Madrid has been energized and coming together in strong numbers these past two months. We've seen excellent turnout at the latest LGBTQ+ Caucus trivia nights, held on February 10, March 10 and April 14. On February 26, 60+ attendees enjoyed a talk by Professor Adam Dubin on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's campaign and the lessons from his success that can help shape Democratic victories in November 2026. It was a thoughtful, engaging discussion that left us with plenty to reflect on.
DA members, fellow US citizens abroad, and allies gathered in Puerta del Sol on March 28 for the No Tyrants protest. We were especially inspired by visitors from the US who shared how much it meant to see this movement alive overseas. With an estimated 200-300 people in attendance, the rally was a powerful outlet for collective frustration. Importantly, we paired that energy with action, offering on-site voter registration support and connecting with both new and existing members eager to get involved ahead of the midterms. The event also drew media attention, with coverage from major outlets including the New York Times, RTVE, CNN, MS NOW, and the Guardian, amplifying our message far beyond Madrid. A huge thank you to our incredible speakers — Adam, Noelle, Cheryl, Andrea, Bill and Claudia — and to our fantastic MC, Hal, as well as the volunteers who made the day possible.
We hope you'll join us at an upcoming event and learn more about how to volunteer with DA Madrid. Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.
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MÁLAGA
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By Nancy Pfeffer |
The Málaga chapter of Democrats Abroad has had a busy start to 2026. We are (almost) all about getting out the vote in this critical election year. We began the year with a voter registration event on January 15, International Voter Registration Day, in the center of Málaga. We got nearly 30 people signed up for their 2026 ballots!
In February, we debuted a new chapter meeting location at a local coworking space in an old palace. We were also pleased to introduce new DA Spain Vice-Chair Rebekah Pantaléon, whom we are proud to have as a chapter member.
March 9 was the occasion of our chapter-sponsored tax webinar, titled Spain & US Tax Basics. We featured an expert speaker on taxation in each country, and answered numerous questions for audience members — all while raising over $800 for DA Spain!
March continued busy with an online chapter meeting on March 19, followed by an in-person voter registration event on March 25 in Fuengirola, one of the towns outside of Málaga city that is well-populated by expats. We got some excellent press coverage in local print and online papers, and registered 18 additional voters!
On March 27, we took a little break from the politics — okay, we took a “paws” to help out at the local Protectora de Animales, AKA the local, private humane society.
And on March 28, twelve members of the Málaga chapter proudly and loudly participated in the Seville Chapter’s No Tyrants protest!
On April 8, we were back at the GOTV goal, this time with a voter registration event in Nerja, another town outside of Málaga city. We were joined by a team from Granada precinct, and hosted nearly 30 people — many of whom were already registered for this year!
We’ve welcomed 42 new chapter members since the beginning of 2026 — about a 15% increase! We’re looking forward to reaching more of our members, and other Americans, across Málaga province, as the year continues.
If you have any questions about Málaga, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]
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SEVILLA
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VALENCIA
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By John Schuetzle |
Although we live in Spain, US politics follows us and impacts us all. In Valencia, our resolve to change the administration at the ballot box is strong and will continue to build off of the energy from our No Tyrants protest and through our upcoming events.
WOW! What a protest! Despite some challenges, our volunteers rallied to put on an engaging hour of programming and helped over 50 people submit their requests to vote from abroad! Inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s Great Dictator speech against facism, it was a special moment to be protesting in Plaza de Ayuntamiento where a Charlie Chaplin falla was burned just a few days prior. Thank you to all the volunteers who made it happen and to all who attended.
We plan to build off of that momentum through our upcoming Coffee and Happy Hour events and GOTV efforts.
WOMEN'S CAUCUS
Greetings from the Spain Women’s Caucus. We had a very successful Women’s History Month with the Global Caucus, as well as an inspiring session on how to stay healthy, physically and emotionally, in these crazy times with our very own Heather Lounsbury. (If you would like a copy of the recording, write to [email protected] and we will send you the link.)
The Global Caucus continues with their regular events, the Book Club, The Cauldron and more! You can see all of the events by clicking on this link.
There is a fun activity in the works: Yes, We Race, a scavenger hunt through the city of Barcelona. This is a high-engagement, community-building event as well as a mobilization tool to drive voter registration. The race covers about 4 km (just over 2 miles). Participants will be given tasks to complete and clues to find the next location. In Barcelona, the date will be June 6. (Other participating cities at the moment are Paris and Milan.) Stay tuned for more information on the events page!
We are looking for volunteers to help out, both with preparation and on the day of! If you would like to be involved and help make this event a success get in touch with Doris at the email below.
As always, the Spain Women’s Caucus is looking for more of our members to get involved. Don’t hesitate to get in touch: [email protected]
VETERANS AND MILITARY FAMILIES
Championing Veteran-Centered Legislation for 2026 and Beyond
As we prepare for the 2026 midterm elections, the Democrats Abroad Veterans and Military Families Caucus must focus our collective power on advancing legislation that delivers real results for America’s veterans, especially those serving and living overseas. Our veterans have earned comprehensive support, and Congress has a duty to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) meets their needs without unnecessary barriers.
Key priorities include: modernizing VA claims processing and expanding access to benefits. Bills such as the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act (H.R. 3854) represent critical steps toward efficient, technology-driven systems that reduce backlogs and deliver timely decisions. These challenges are often amplified for expatriate veterans navigating claims from abroad.
We must also champion expanded healthcare delivery, including improvements to the Foreign Medical Program (FMP) and telemedicine options, alongside protections against recent regulatory changes that risk lowering disability ratings for veterans who seek treatment.
Overseas veterans already face unique hurdles in accessing earned care. Congress must reject measures that penalize them for managing service-connected conditions and instead prioritize equitable, high-quality support regardless of location.
Additional focus areas should include workforce and education reforms, such as enhancements to veterans’ readiness and employment programs, as well as safeguards for voting rights under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Protecting the franchise for military families and veterans abroad is fundamental to our democracy and ensures their voices shape the policies that affect all.
Democrats in Congress are steadfastly defending core protections for veterans against efforts that would undermine earned benefits. We are leading the fight to block policies that could arbitrarily reduce disability ratings for veterans whose conditions respond to treatment, opposing attempts to shift costs onto veterans through higher home loan refinance fees, and protecting VA workforce stability to prevent disruptions in care. We continue to champion expanded caregiver support, suicide prevention programs, and equitable access to health services, including fertility care and reproductive health options for veterans and their families.
We must also advance workforce and education reforms, such as modernizing GI Bill programs and employment transition initiatives, to ensure veterans abroad receive the same opportunities as those stateside. Protecting these pillars is essential to honoring our nation’s commitments.
By gathering and sharing your stories, updates, and reflections, we amplify the impact of these initiatives and hold Congress accountable. In this pivotal election year, our power lies in targeted advocacy, voter engagement, and demanding bipartisan action on veteran-centered legislation.
Together, we honor our service members by ensuring the promises made to veterans and their families are kept, no matter where they call home.
If you would like to join our group, we are looking for volunteers to join us in our fight to maintain the rights of veterans and military families. Please write to: [email protected]
LGBTQ+ CAUCUS
We are looking forward to our April Trivia Night on Tuesday, April 14, where the theme will be: Earth Day, April Showers, Spanish History and Political Trivia. This follows up on March’s Trivia Night — Women’ History, St. Patrick’s Day and Politics — where the group continues to grow and, importantly, new faces always show up. As always, the events drew an SRO crowd upstairs at Saporito restaurant in Madrid. Prizes were given out to the increasingly competitive attendees of our monthly contest. More activities to be announced! Check us out on Instagram and Facebook.
If you would like to join the LGBTQ+ Caucus, you can join here.
You can also reach out to the caucus co-chairs via email at [email protected]
YOUTH CAUCUS
Hi everyone, I’m Kip Carter, Youth Caucus Chair for Democrats Abroad Spain.
We’re recharging the youth movement for young Americans living in Spain — and we want you in.
What We Do
- Monthly meetups in Madrid and regular events across Spain — social hours and many more event types with votes taking place on what we do next!
- Voter registration and absentee ballot help so every eligible American abroad can vote
- Campaign volunteer opportunities, policy discussions, and direct action
- Leadership training and fast ways to plug into national and local Democratic efforts
If you care about protecting voting rights, climate action, affordable education, reproductive freedom, and making our voices count back home, join a community of activists, organizers, and voters doing real work and having fun while we do it.
Join us to make an impact, meet other young Americans, and turn passion into results. DM me @demsabroadspainyouth and follow us. We have many exciting events coming.
Also join at https://www.democratsabroad.org/yc to ensure you receive all the important emails and so we can reach you.
When everything feels urgent, the most effective thing you can do is focus on a few actions that actually move things forward.
Here's Where to Start
Make sure you’re registered and ready to vote
Go to VoteFromAbroad.org and submit your ballot request for 2026. It’s quick, and it ensures you won’t miss key deadlines later in the year.
Reach out to one other American
A friend, a colleague, someone you’ve just met. Ask if they’re registered to vote from abroad. That one conversation can turn into another vote.
Join a phonebanking session:
Even a single session helps. You’ll be reaching voters who often just need a reminder or a bit of guidance to take action.
Show up to one local event
Whether it’s voter registration, a meetup, or a community gathering, being present strengthens the network that makes all of this possible.
You don’t need to do everything. But doing one or two of these consistently over the next few months will have a real impact.
Thank you for being part of this work. The months ahead will demand commitment, but they will also be shaped by it.
MAKE A SMALL DONATION
Donations to Democrats Abroad go directly to registering Americans and get out the vote (GOTV) activities such as phone banking, postcards, and most importantly, social media. Democrats Abroad is an incredible investment in our Democracy because it is 100% volunteer led and organized.
Every dollar you give supports our work to elect Democrats who will fight to make a better life for all Americans.
that make a difference in election victory. DA is a global organization committed to helping Americans abroad to be involved in our country no matter where we live.
If you cannot afford to make a donation, consider volunteering your time, or bringing a friend to one of our events.
FOLLOW US
To stay on top of all the news, follow Democrats Abroad Spain on social media. And please forward this email to your American friends in Spain who may not know us!
