Why use VoteFromAbroad.org to request your ballot?
Federal law provides special voting protections for U.S. citizens living overseas—but only if you submit the official federal ballot request. When you do, you receive:
- Your ballot by email (Check the “receive by email” box)
- Guaranteed ballot transmission at least 45 days before each federal election — critical if you must return your ballot by mail (22 states are mail-return only)
- Automatic ballot delivery for every election you’re eligible to vote in that year
- Protection against voter roll removal — your registration stays active that year
- Free ballot tracking, so you can confirm your ballot was received
- Access to an emergency write-in ballot if your ballot is delayed or doesn’t arrive
These protections are not automatic. They apply only when you submit the FEDERAL ballot request (as opposed to an absentee ballot from your local election official).
Go to VoteFromAbroad.org today!
Events happening in DA Austria in September —
Young Democrats Heuriger & Postcards
Sunday, September 6, 2026
2:00–5:00 PM
Weingut Heuriger Muth
Probusgasse 10, Vienna 1190
RSVP
70+ Community Group Get-Together
Thursday, September 10, 2026
2:00–3:30 PM
burg.ring1
Burg Ring 1, Vienna 1010
RSVP
Progressive Pizza
Thursday, September 10, 2026
6:00–8:00 PM
L’Osteria
Florianigasse 55, Vienna 1080
RSVP
20+ Community Group
Friday, September 18, 2026
7:00–9:00 PM
Agora am Donaukanal
Donaukanal, Vienna, 1020
RSVP
Salzburg Monthly Meet-up
Friday, September 18, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Krimpelstätter Restaurant,
Müllner Hauptstraße 31, Salzburg 5020
RSVP
Ballots & Beverages
Wednesday, September 23, 2026
6:30–9:00 PM
burg.ring1
Burg Ring 1, Vienna 1010
RSVP
Book Discussion: Regime Change by Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan
Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:30 PM
Private Home, Vienna 1080
RSVP
Young Democrats Phonebanking Party
Sunday, September 27, 2026
2:00-4:00 PM
Private Home - RSVP for Address
Vienna 1090
RSVP
Solidarity Sundays | Build It: Nov 4 Panel
Sunday, September 27, 2026
4:00–6:00 PM
Amerlinghaus
Stiftgasse 8, 1070 Vienna
RSVP
Save the Date - Wienerwald Wine Walk
Sunday, October 11, 2026
TBA, 1190 Vienna
Event Page
RSVP page will open mid-September
Save the Date – Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 26, 2026
Hotel Zoku
1020 Vienna
RSVP page will open on Thursday, Oct. 1
Voter Registration & Ballot Request Tables are Back!
With the midterms fast approaching, we’re amping up our Vote from Abroad activities. If you need help requesting your ballot or voting, you can find us at the locations, dates, and times below. And we’re always looking for volunteers. If you’re interested in helping out, please send us an email at [email protected]. There are a couple training modules you can complete online on your own time.
Saturday, September 5
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Karmelitermarkt 10
Saturday, September 12
11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Mariahilfer Straße 74A
Saturday, September 19
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Schulgasse 26 (Kutschkermarkt)
Saturday, September 26
12:00 PM–3:00 PM
Mariahilfer Straße 74A
In this Newsletter —
Event Highlights:
- Young Democrats Heuriger & Postcards
- Book Discussion: Regime Change
- Ballots & Beverages
- 20+ Community Group Hangout on Donaukanal
- 70+ Community Group Get-Together
- Oktoberfest in Munich
- Her next – A Career Event
Voting News:
- The Best Voter Protection for Every Voter Abroad
- Turn Anxiety Into Action!
Inside DA Austria:
- Your Donation Dollars at Work
- State Department Federal Credit Union now available to DA members
- Veterans & Military Families Caucus
Issues and Actions:
- Texas Voter Purge
- Protect Your Ballot - Fight Back Against Trump’s Attempt to Suppress the Mail-in Vote
Review:
- Postcard Mailing
- July 4th Party in Vienna: 1776–2026 Celebrating Our Democracy
- July 4th in Vorarlberg
- Community Group Get-Together
Our next Executive Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, September 8, at 6:30 p.m. Members are welcome to join us at the meetings. Please contact Brett Carnito at [email protected] for the location.
DA Austria is committed to keeping you up to date while respecting your inbox. Our monthly newsletter brings together all the important information you need in one place, so you can stay informed without the extra emails. We appreciate you reading and staying connected!
September Event Highlights:
Young Democrats Heuriger & Postcards
Sunday, September 6, 2026 RSVP
After a summer hiatus, Young Democrats are kicking off with a heuriger hang combined with writing postcards to fellow Americans living abroad to remind them to get their ballots to vote in the midterm elections. Enjoy a glass of wine and write with the great company of fellow younger Americans on September 6.
– Bryan Quandt and Elena Fischer, Young(er) Americans Co-Coordinators
70+ Community Group Get-Together
Thursday, September 10, 2026 RSVP
Join our squad to plan volunteer and social activities to help get out the vote for the November midterms - and flip seats in the House and Senate!
Learn how to help voters, phone bank, and engage in other ad-hoc actions, all while getting to know the rest of our Squad. Hope to see you there!
20+ Community Group Hangout on Donaukanal
Friday, September 18, 2026 RSVP
Come join our 20-something community group for an end-of-summer evening by the Donaukanal! This is an informal get-together to meet new people, check in on our summers, and hear about upcoming civil action events.
We will find a place to be along the water near the Agora am Donaukanal to soak up the last of the summer. Stay for as long or little as you would like. Drinks provided. If you would like to bring something to share, please do!
Ballots & Beverages
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 RSVP
Our Community Groups are hosting an evening to help you vote, whether with printing and filling out your ballot or requesting one, while enjoying a beverage with fellow Americans. You’ll even get an “I Voted” sticker!
You can also get to know and join the Community Group that fits you best. They are smaller groups based around common ages and interests that are the basis for organizing many activities, whether volunteer or social.
Book Discussion: Regime Change by Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan
Thursday, September 24, 2026 RSVP
The book is based on extensive interviews with numerous sources and contains a significant amount of fresh, previously unreported information. A valuable read based on the content and, according to The New York Times, "a riveting chronicle of the weird fusion of reality and show business in the White House." Tip: If you are having trouble getting the book, consider listening to it instead, it is very well done!
Oktoberfest in Munich
Saturday, September 26
What started out 17 years ago as a Democrats Abroad “FUN-draiser” is now one of DA’s premier events worldwide. Join Democrats from all around the world in one of most traditional beer tents on the Wiesen!
The annual Democrats Abroad Oktoberfest extravaganza takes place in Munich on Saturday, September 26. DA Germany has reservations in the Festhalle Schottenhamel for tables in the "Gallerie," specifically an area upstairs so that we are above the main crowd, from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
For full details, please see our event page – we look forward to seeing you there!
Her next – A Career Event
Sunday, October 11, 2026
The Global Women’s Caucus, co-sponsored with the Youth Caucus, has an exciting opportunity for young, career-oriented women on October 11, 12-2 p.m. ET / 6-8 p.m. CET.
Ten small breakout rooms. Ten women who've each built genuinely wild, singular careers. Real conversation on the stuff that actually matters – imposter syndrome, burnout, negotiating salary, knowing when to quit, figuring out what to do with a degree once you have it, and a bunch more. No formal dais or scripted Q&A. Just you, a small group, and someone who's actually been where you're trying to go and genuinely wants to show up for you.
For full details, please see the event page.
Voting News:
The Best Voter Protection for Every Voter Abroad
Best thing to do to protect your overseas vote? The most powerful voter protection step you can take is to send in an FPCA Ballot Request every year, and ask to receive your ballot by EMAIL or Online!
Worried about potential voter roll purges? Sending in an FPCA form makes you an "active voter" and clears up any flags on your voter registration that can happen if they think your address changed. It also re-registers you if you were actually purged.
Worried about USPS possibly interfering with your ballot delivery? Ask for your ballot to be sent to you electronically, as overseas voters have the right to do — cut out USPS as the middleman.
Already registered, but requested your ballot by postal mail? Submit a new FPCA via votefromabroad.org. When asked "How would you like to receive your blank ballot?", be sure to select "Email or Online."
Make a plan to vote! Once you get your ballot, prepare to vote and return it right away. Ballots go out on September 19 (45 days before the election.)
Some states require that voted ballots be returned by postal mail - voters from those states should also cast and vote a Backup Ballot (FWAB) - read more here at www.Votefromabroad.org/backup_ballot. Need help or have questions? Get everything you need at VotefromAbroad.org.
Need help or have questions? Go to www.VotefromAbroad.org and Find Help Here, or use the chat bubble; or email [email protected]
ZoomTheVote! Voters wanting individual voter support online via Zoom can go to https://www.votefromabroad.org/voter-support for links and session updates. All times are Eastern Standard Time.
— DA GOTV Team
Turn Anxiety Into Action!
Yes, there IS something you can do! Help your fellow Americans abroad vote from abroad. You can only vote once, but calling members multiplies your vote and amplifies your voice.
Join the phone banking team or voter registration tabling team and help make November too big to rig!
In 2024, DA callers made 350,000+ calls and sent 300,000+ texts. Get trained to help Get Out the Vote via phonebanking — https://www.democratsabroad.org/phonebanking_training
— Caitlin Ahern, DA Austria Phonebanking Coordinator
Inside DA Austria:
Your Donation Dollars at Work
Austria Get-Out-The-Vote Outreach
DA Austria is executing a widespread voter turn out campaign before the November midterms and will spend more than six thousand dollars on non-member and member outreach.
Why? We want to make sure that the 12,000 U.S. citizens living in Austria know three crucial things: that they can vote, how to request their ballot, and how to return their ballot.
Help us continue to execute impactful outreach efforts like the ones below. Become a sustaining donor or make a one time donation today at: https://www.democratsabroad.org/at_donate
Democracy Duck Tales
Keep an eye out for our election cycle media outreach online, in your postbox, at your local cinema, and on the streets near you this fall!
Help get out the word — share a picture of Democracy Duck and the Odysseus film trailer on social media and with family, friends and colleagues!
DA Austria — Ready, Set, Action!
DA Austria will be in a movie theatre near you!
This summer our database coordinator, Bill LaViolette, received a positive response when he asked a few cinemas around town if we might be able to run a Vote from Abroad trailer in their theaters. Thank you Bill for your initiative!
With the opportunity to run a 30-second Vote from Abroad trailer to raise voter awareness in multiple movie theatres around Austria—including Vienna's crown jewel, the Gartenbau Kino—we quickly got to work.
DA Austria member and professional director, Sylvia Dahmen, donated her talents, energy, and connections to produce a 30-second professional quality trailer. Thank you Sylvia and your amazing crew for your work!
See some pictures they took while filming. They are a wonderful glimpse into the filmmaking process. See more pictures.
So, when you see our Odysseus Votes trailer at Gartenbau Kino, the Burg Kino, or one of 10 Cineplex Theaters in Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, and Salzburg, be sure to hoot and holler and give a big round of applause for our generous volunteers and donors who make these ambitious initiatives possible!
— Jen Rakow-Stepper, DAAT Treasurer, DPCA Voting Representative
State Department Federal Credit Union Now Available to DA Members
Democrats Abroad members can now access U.S. banking products for free with the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU). Moving forward, Democrats Abroad members and their families are now eligible to apply to join SDFCU. This U.S. credit union serves members both in the United States and abroad.
Join a webinar with SDFCU on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 9 a.m. CET/3 a.m. ET or at 7 p.m. CET/1 p.m. ET (on the same day) to learn about SDFCU’s financial products and services for Americans living outside the United States.
RSVP HERE
SDFCU offerings:
- Access to U.S. financial products and services while living abroad
- International money transfers in multiple currencies
- Membership opportunities for eligible internationally-based family and household members*
- Information about IRA and trust account options that may be available to eligible U.S. citizens living abroad, including those who have never resided in the United States
- Support for international phone numbers and addresses
- Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and mobile wallet integration
Read more on DA's webpage on SDFCU: https://www.democratsabroad.org/sdfcu_credit_union_for_americans_abroad.
To learn more about SDFCU’s offerings, please visit SDFCU.org. If you have questions you would like addressed during the webinar, please submit them on this form. Please note that all questions will be anonymous.
— DA Taxation Taskforce
Veterans & Military Families (VMF) Caucus
Check out the September VMF newsletter here, which includes VMF local activities and important national days of observance, recognition, and remembrance.
Click here to sign up for the link to join our September 21, 2026, meeting online. This is one way to find out what your veterans are doing and how you can help in the effort to get out the vote!
Read the September Newsletter.
— George Bottorff, DA Austria Member-at-Large, VMF Caucus Coordinator
Issues and Actions:
Texas Voter Purge
Texas Republicans are at it again, messing with voter files and creating “suspense lists” to try to keep Texas voters from making their voices heard this fall.
But Democrats Abroad has got a Texas two-step of our own. As a Texan abroad, you’re just two steps away from blocking this Republican chicanery:
- Request your overseas ballot through VotefromAbroad.org — check the box so it will be sent to you by email!
- Confirm with your Texas election official that your registration is active for this year–2026.
Once your overseas ballot request is in, you’re protected for the upcoming election. If someone in Texas disagrees, get in touch. Our voter protection team is here to help at [email protected].
Let’s show Republicans that they can’t mess with Texas!
READ MORE
— DA GOTV Team
Protect Your Ballot - Fight Back Against Trump’s Attempt to Suppress the Mail-in Vote
Update Aug 24:
The U.S. Postal Service recently announced they’re prepared to roll out new procedures which comply with Trump’s mail-in voting restrictions. And on Monday, August 24, the Supreme Court decided these procedures can move forward.
Don't let these voter suppression tactics keep you from voting.
The uncertainty surrounding mail-in voting is designed to make voters hesitate and is EXACTLY why overseas voters should act now.
There are two important steps voters abroad can take immediately:
— DA News
Review:
Postcard Actions
We’re sending a voter reminder to our members who vote in a state with a critical Senate or House election in the November midterms AND who haven’t yet requested their ballot at VotefromAbroad.org.
Thanks to 20+ volunteers, we got together on four separate occasions to write a personal message and stuff and address almost 300 envelopes.
A big thanks to everyone who helped out!
If you’re one of the 60% of our membership who hasn't yet requested your ballot at votefromabroad.org, please help save us time and money and request it today!
July 4th Party in Vienna: 1776–2026 Celebrating Our Democracy
What a day! DA Austria's July 4th celebration was a sold-out success–over 100 people came together as a community to mark America's 250th birthday! The buffet was a feast of American favorites, the American flag cakes were showstoppers, and guests' homemade desserts were enjoyed by all.
A huge thank you to English for Runaways for keeping the energy high all afternoon with music that spanned every generation — they were outstanding. Our cornhole toss contest was a crowd favorite, proving that a little friendly competition is always good for the spirit. Most of all, it was a reminder of how much it means to gather together, celebrate who we are, and carry that American spirit forward — here in Vienna and everywhere we call home. 🇺🇸
— Hilary Monihan, DAAT Event Coordinator, Member-at-Large
July 4th in Vorarlberg
Our joint meet-up with Ex-pats Lindau for the 4th of July at the Schwarzbad in Lochau was a big success! Our 33 guests from 5 different continents enjoyed spectacular weather with delicious food and delightful company. We're looking forward to doing it again next year!
— Kristen Gilbert, DA Austria Vorarlberg
Community Group Get-Togethers
Each of our Community Groups met over the summer — until the heat waves set in, canceling both the 20+ and 30+ gatherings. Fortunately, all the others got together, with members signing up to volunteer in the fall and social activities planned, including our voter help event—Ballots & Beverages on September 23.
We are especially grateful to the Community Group networks for responding when the call went out for last-minute volunteers. Help came for the Postcard Writing Action, as well as for the extra hands needed on a movie set for our Odysseus spot. Look for it in movie theaters this fall!
The Community Groups are based on the belief that a strong community makes a strong political organization. If you would like to join one of our groups, please contact Kathryn Nenning at [email protected].
— Kathryn Nenning, DAAT Volunteer Coordinator, Member-at-Large
Don’t forget to register to vote and request your ballot at votefromabroad.org today!
The rules have changed and tightened for many states, and the US postal service is unreliable.
Request to receive your ballot by emaii and return it the fastest method your state allows.
Go to votefromabroad.org today —don't delay! There are people on deck to answer your questions if needed.