Message from DA Spain Chair

Will Rogers used to quip that he wasn’t a member of any organized political party because he was a Democrat, so I don’t know if he’d recognize us right now.

United we stand. And our commitment will lead us to victory.

Ever since Kamala Harris became our presumptive nominee for President, Democrats Abroad has seen a tremendous upsurge in membership, volunteers, and enthusiasm. Adding Tim Walz to the ticket has only multiplied that effect.

It’s an exciting time to be a Democrat! But our enthusiasm won’t count for much if we don’t do the work that will bring Democratic victories up and down the ballot.

Democrats Abroad Spain is full of committed, action-minded people who work hard to spread the word on why we need to participate and vote from abroad. And we need you to join us! This newsletter will inform you about the many ways you can help elect good people who will enact good policies and take our country into a better future.

We all understand the assignment. Let’s get to work!

Kathy Tullos, DA Spain Chair

Announcements and Calls to Action

Unveiling Project 2025:
What It Means for Americans Overseas and Women's Rights
By Annie Graul, La Lucha Continúa

Even from across the Atlantic, you've probably heard some rumblings about a thing called Project 2025, a blueprint concocted by the ultraconservative Heritage Foundation for the next Republican president. Although their nominee is trying to ignore the elephant in the room, claiming he knows nothing about it, the truth is the ties between Heritage and Donald Trump are wide and deep. The more Americans learn about this 900-page horror story, the more they will realize that this is one election nobody can sit out! That's why you won't want to miss these two upcoming sessions of La Lucha Continúa:

• Aug. 27 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern / 7:30 p.m. CET: DA Spain Vice-chair Andrew Anderson, PMP, will talk about Project 2025 and what it means for Americans overseas (RSVP here).

• Sept. 10 at 1:30 p.m. Eastern / 7:30 p.m. CET: DA Spain women's caucus chair Doris Stanger will talk about Project 2025 and how it will affect women's lives (RSVP here).

Global Phonebanking Campaign Has Begun!
By Doris Stanger, Phonebanking Coordinator for DA Spain

After our highly successful country calling campaign, we’ve gone global! The Global Phonebanking campaign is now underway. Calls are prioritized, starting with those who live in battleground states that require ‘mail back only’ voting. Phonebanking is a proven way to Get Out The Vote, and volunteers are needed to make calls. The overseas vote is crucial and has made a difference in several close races in the past, such as the Senate races in Georgia.

Key Points to Remember When Phonebanking for Democrats Abroad:

• There is no cold calling; you are only contacting other DA members who have given their permission to be contacted.
• The calls are made at no cost to you and can be done from the comfort of your own home.

If you are interested in phonebanking and have never done it before, click on this link for more information. 

If you have phonebanked in the past, this link has many resources and refresher courses. While phonebanking is free for those making the calls, it does incur costs. Please donate to keep those calls coming!

Here in Spain, we have a phonebankers' Signal group to support each other and assist with any questions or concerns.

If you have any questions, doubts, or would like to join the Signal group, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].

Be a part of getting President Harris and Vice President Walz to the White House!

Support Democrats Abroad: A Simple Repost Goes a Long Way

By reposting our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn content on your own news feeds, you're not just sharing information—you're helping us reach more Democrats living abroad who might not know they're part of a larger community. Every share broadens our audience, strengthens our impact, and brings us closer to our goal of making sure every American voice is heard, no matter where they live. Help us amplify our message. Repost today!

Spain National and Local Events  
Be sure to check out what's going around our country and in your area. New events are added all the time. Click here to see a list of all Spain events. Bookmark this page and check back often.

Many states require that you request your ballot annually. Requesting your ballot takes about 5 minutes.

Views on the News

United we stand. Commitment leads to victory
By Daniel Solon, Barcelona

This newsletter's theme is especially fitting. The Democratic Party, known for its internal conflicts, has managed a remarkable feat worthy of the Great Houdini: successfully replacing a sitting President who had already secured enough delegate votes to clinch the party's formal nomination at our upcoming convention, shortly after he reaffirmed his intention to run. Then, the party coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris as the new candidate without sparking a wave of intraparty battles. Political science professors will be studying this process for years to come.

This achievement reflects the newfound maturity of the party. The party has evolved from the "big tent" approach of the New Deal, Fair Deal, and Great Society eras to a more loosely connected coalition of competing interest groups divided by racial, ethnic, and policy lines.

Faced with the looming threat of a potentially less chaotic second Trump term, underpinned by the Project 2025 blueprint for an authoritarian takeover, we have united into a strong Never Trump front.

Some of the new Harris campaign slogans directly address the reality that domestic politics has become a form of (usually) bloodless warfare. Winning is now the sole focus. The old mantra of "When they go low, we go high" is seen as a prescription for failure. Trump is now rightly described as "old" and "feeble," while J.D. Vance is labeled "creepy," and both are deemed "weird." Meanwhile, slogans like "Fixing the border is tough. So is Kamala." and "So is Tim Walz" emphasize resilience.

However, a note of caution is necessary. While the hard-core MAGA true believers will persist long after this election cycle, it is crucial to avoid the narrative that the Democratic Party is dominated by a bicoastal elite that looks down on "flyover country" and its residents in Appalachia, the Rust Belt, and the Great Plains.

Production-line union members, coal miners, and small farmers were key components of the Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson electoral coalitions. Their votes will be crucial for our success in the Electoral College and in down-ballot races for the Senate, House of Representatives, and state offices.

The sprint from now until Nov. 5, and likely until Jan. 6 if not even beyond, is unprecedented in U.S. political history. We must stay on message, highlighting the dangers posed by figures like Trump running mate J.D. Vance, who advocate for pseudo-Christian control over women's reproductive rights, and the threat to NATO cohesion, and the upcoming battle over expiring Trump-era tax legislation that benefited the wealthy at the expense of the middle class.

As we push through the intense weeks ahead, it is worth recalling and celebrating the real accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration. President Biden, who will remain in office until noon on Jan. 20, recently highlighted legislation aimed at rebuilding U.S. infrastructure. He remarked that it was a mistake not to prominently credit the achievements to his administration. His decision to withdraw from the campaign should be met with gratitude from all Democrats.

Lastly, a special acknowledgement to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, perhaps the most astute Democratic politician of her time, who continues to make significant contributions. Her memoir, “The Art of Power,” recounts her years in Congress since her first election in 1987, during which she served alongside Presidents Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr., Obama, Trump, and Biden. It's important to note that senators and representatives serve "with," not "under," Presidents—a point of self-respect recognized in both Houses and across party lines. Pelosi likely played a decisive role in facilitating the transition that moved President Biden away from this year's campaign and positioned Kamala Harris as the candidate of a unified and revitalized party.

Chapter, Precinct, and Local News

Alicante 
By Brett Specter

What a Difference a Few Weeks Make! Our last chapter get-together on July 18 found us resolute in our appreciation of all Joe Biden had accomplished for the US and the wider world, but also anxious about what would come next.

Now, here we are in August with a united and super enthusiastic Democratic party, joined by more moderate Republicans and Independents, in what is shaping up to be a historic election for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz!

This can't happen without our votes, of course, and the Alicante Chapter is planning events around Ballot Drop Day to ensure we can offer as much assistance as possible. Expect more announcements and details early in September.

We continue to explore new ways to reach more Americans in our area, aiming to get them registered as absentee voters in time for the November election. Stay tuned for more details via email and on our Facebook page.

Barcelona
By Catherine Dexter 

On July 7, a lively group of Barcelona members gathered for a picnic high above the city at Parc del Laberint d’Horta to celebrate Independence Day. After the meal, an intrepid group explored the maze that gives the park its name.

On June 30, at our last session before summer recess, a small group watched "Street Fight," a documentary chronicling Cory Booker’s first (and ultimately unsuccessful) run for mayor of Newark.

Things may seem slow in Barcelona during steamy August, but our team is hard at work preparing for September, October, and November. The chapter will host its welcome-back event on Wednesday, Sept. 11 (known as “La Diada” or “11S” in Barcelona, a local holiday) to watch the presidential debate. Attendees will gather at a local bar famous for its hamburgers to view the eagerly awaited matchup. They'll also have the opportunity to support DA Spain’s digital advertising and phone banking campaigns by purchasing a special Barcelona edition Kamala Harris 2024 T-shirt. We urge everyone to pre-order when RSVPing for the event. Full details will be announced on our events page very soon.

Malaga Precinct
By Janet Martin, Costa Tropical point person  

The Granada Precinct held its second Costa Tropical coffee morning at the lovely Arrayanes Garden in Almuñécar on July 2. Eight of us attended, including Linda Henderson, who came all the way from Granada.

We distributed posters and cards publicizing votefromabroad.org and discussed a letter-writing campaign targeting voters on the "don’t call/don’t text" list. Brian Leary will look into setting up an information table at the Almuñécar mercadillo or rastro.

I committed to developing a list of expat websites to publicize votefromabroad.org and, closer to November, to remind folks to vote. Several members committed to completing the phone banking training and joining the global campaign that began on Aug. 14.

Now, as we return from our summer holidays and with our wonderful new Harris-Walz ticket to energize us, there will be no stopping us! We appreciate each of you for your contributions—large and small, in action and in funding. We will meet in early September to update our plans for the next push.

For those of you who haven’t yet got on board with us, kindly reach out via email at [email protected], join our Facebook group Democrat Voters in Granada, and visit our Granada page on the Democrats Abroad Spain website.

Madrid
By Lucia J. Perez

As we prepare for the critical upcoming elections, Democrats Abroad Madrid proudly reaffirms its commitment to securing victory for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. Our collective efforts are vital in turning red and purple states blue, and we are mobilizing every resource to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote counts.

To drive our Get Out the Vote initiatives, we have scheduled a series of volunteer call nights and Ballot Voter Registration events. Please mark your calendars for Aug. 14, 22, and 31, and Sept. 7, 11, 12, 19, and 21. These dates provide opportunities for our members to engage with fellow voters, offer essential information, and assist with the registration process.

Our efforts exemplify the power of unity. When Democrats come together—whether in Madrid or across the country—we amplify our impact. Each call made and each registration completed brings us closer to our goal. By joining forces, we demonstrate our unwavering belief that together we can create real change and ensure that our values are represented at the highest levels of government.

As we move forward, let’s continue to support each other and our candidates. Together, we will pave the way for a successful election season, proving that united, we stand strong in our commitment to victory. Let’s get to work!

Malaga Precinct
By Carey Ramos 

The nine-month-old Málaga precinct has been actively engaged in various activities: writing letters to Democrats across Spain, participating in the Pride Parade, supporting the local donkey sanctuary Donkey Dreamland (a perfect match for our Democratic mascot!), and celebrating the 4th of July in Macharaviaya, a small village honoring local hero Bernardo de Gálvez, who played a crucial role in the American Revolution. These efforts have garnered positive press and fostered a strong sense of community among Málaga Democrats.

We are excited to welcome many new members this past month as we prepare to mobilize for the Harris/Walz ticket and down-ballot races! We encourage all Democrats in Málaga province to join our WhatsApp and Facebook groups (Democratic Voters in Malaga).

At our Aug. 22nd meeting, we will discuss key topics such as voter assistance training, phonebanking, fundraising, and other ways to get out the vote. If you are unable to attend the meeting but want to get involved, please email [email protected]. There are many ways to contribute, so let's find the best fit for you!

For regular updates on our meetings and activities, please join our Facebook group, Democratic Voters in Malaga!

Sevilla
By Helen Morgan

The chapter held its Annual General Meeting on June 18, during which Chair Helen Morgan reviewed the activities and accomplishments of the past year—our first full year in existence. Members also bid a fond farewell to Vice Chair Sabina Chen, who is returning to the United States. Although we will stay in touch with Sabina, her leadership and activism will be greatly missed. Kevin Dodson will step into the role of Vice Chair, with the challenging task of following in her footsteps.

In celebration of Pride Month, the Chapter sponsored a presentation titled “Unpacking Spain’s New Trans Law: Implications Beyond Gender ID,” delivered by Dr. Sara López Corlett, a postdoctoral fellow in Sociology at the University of Sevilla.

Despite the summer heat driving many DA members in Sevilla to leave the city, we remain active in various ways. We are writing postcards to voters in swing states, posting VFA posters around Sevilla and at language schools, and participating in phonebanking campaigns.

Sevilla is also buzzing with the excitement and enthusiasm generated by the Harris-Walz ticket. We are eager to host numerous student registration events starting in September, along with a student trivia night on Sept. 21, and voter-assistance events following the release of ballots. It’s an exciting time to be a member of Democrats Abroad

As the chapter grows, we plan to continue offering both educational opportunities and GOTV activities in the months ahead. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page for details.

Valencia
By Chris Schwandt

We are thrilled about the Kamala Harris/Tim Walz ticket and are committed to maintaining our momentum throughout September! We encourage our members to support the drive to win in November by donating to Democrats Abroad, participating in phonebanking, assisting voters, reaching out to students, posting flyers, hosting house parties, requesting their ballots, and motivating friends, family, and coworkers to do the same.

In September, we will launch a new poster campaign to distribute flyers throughout Valencia, including in local businesses and public spaces, to remind people to request their overseas ballots as soon as possible.

Join us for our First Friday Coffee Hour at Salad Planet on Sept. 6. at 10:30 am. We welcome anyone interested in joining our leadership team to help more overseas Americans vote this fall.

On Sept. 19 at 7:00 pm, we will host our Third Thursday Happy Hour at Matacruda, where we will focus on recruiting new members and volunteers for Democrats Abroad.

We are also excited to announce a Paella Lunch and Vote From Abroad rally on Sept. 21 at 2:00 pm to encourage Americans to return their ballots promptly.

Additionally, we will offer eight voter assistance sessions to help voters complete and submit their ballots at the US Consular Agent’s Office. These sessions will be held on the following dates: Sept. 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, and Oct. 2, 3, and 4, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Salad Planet, C/ del Dr. Romagosa, 3, Valencia.

We hope everyone can help us spread the word!

Caucus News

Women's Caucus
By Doris Stanger

The DA Spain Women's Caucus, along with the 'La Lucha' from the Barcelona Chapter, is thrilled to announce an upcoming webinar featuring Robert Bahar, a US citizen and co-director of the Netflix documentary “You Are Not Alone.” This film centers on a pivotal case in Spain that led to changes in how rape is defined by law. If you haven't watched it yet, it offers an uplifting story with a hopeful message. The online event is scheduled for May 21. We strongly recommend that attendees watch the documentary beforehand. We hope you'll join us! Click for details.

The Women’s Caucus is always seeking members to contribute to actions, both big and small. One of our goals, in collaboration with the Global Women’s Caucus, is to finally (!) get the ERA passed. If you would like more information about how you can contribute, please click here for details.

Help us build the Spain Women’s Caucus and make a difference! I'd love to hear from you. Reach out to me at [email protected]. 

LGBTQ+ Caucus
By John Murphy

As summer winds down, so does the Pride season. However, our advocacy for LGBTQ rights continues. Vice President Kamala Harris’s entry into the 2024 Presidential Race has brought renewed enthusiasm. We've been actively volunteering—registering voters, making phone calls, and donating—to support the Harris-Walz ticket in the upcoming November election.

As we transition into fall, let’s reflect on the wonderful moments of this past summer. Early July saw a spectacular turnout for Madrid Pride, where we marched in style before thousands of spectators. A highlight was meeting actress Eva Longoria, a long-time advocate for LGBTQ rights, who took photos with us and recorded a video emphasizing the importance of voting from abroad. In early August, Amsterdam celebrated its famous Canal Pride with colorful, glittering floats navigating the canals, and fabulous participants waving to the crowds. It was a fantastic Pride season!

Looking ahead to November, stay tuned to the DA website for more information and updates on activities. Let’s make the 2024 election memorable! If you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering or seeking more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Click here to learn more about DA caucuses and how to join. When you join a global caucus, you automatically become a member of the Spain caucus. Click to see all the upcoming Global Caucus events.

Have a great month ahead, and stay cool!
Democrats Abroad Spain

This newsletter comes to you by:  

• Daniel Garcia, Content Director
• Andrea Host-Barth, Technical Producer 
• Albion Land, Copy Editor

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!

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 euro or dollar you give supports our work to elect Democrats who will fight to make a better life for all Americans.