- First-ever voting centers in Argentina, Ecuador, Finland, and Romania contribute to in-person voting that continues to surpass 2016 turnout. -

- 60% of votes in the Global Presidential Primary have been cast remotely. -

Democrats Abroad marked the third day of the Global Presidential Primary with voting around the world, including in Cuenca, Ecuador, where US citizens lined up to cast their ballots in-person for the very first time in the Global primary. This is the first year Democrats Abroad has hosted in-person voting in Ecuador for the primary. Americans living in the country can also vote in person on March 10 in Quito.

Democrats Abroad is also hosting in-person voting for the first time this year in Finland, with a voting center in Helsinki on March 3 and March 7; in Argentina, where voters can cast their ballots in Buenos Aires on March 7; and in Romania, with voting in Bucharest taking place on March 3 and March 7. In total, Democrats Abroad is hosting over 240 polling centers across more than 40 countries between March 3 and March 10.

“Voting in-person on Super Tuesday was up 50% for us compared to 2016. We’re not surprised - since the last presidential election, Americans abroad have become increasingly engaged in politics back in the US, regardless of where they live,” said Julia Bryan, Global Chair, Democrats Abroad. We’re hearing from voters all over the world - from Georgia to Kenya, from Fiji to Iceland.”

“Our teams have put tremendous work into ensuring that the 2020 Global Presidential Primary is a success, and I’m incredibly proud that they are helping our voters exercise their voice in who will be the Democratic Party’s next presidential candidate.”

More than 17 thousand Americans abroad have successfully cast their ballots through both remote and in-person voting so far this year. Notably, while in-person voter turnout for the first two days of the 2020 primary continues to exceed that of 2016, 3 in 5 voters have cast their ballots remotely.

“Our remote voting numbers are fairly consistent with votes cast in 2016, but it’s possible that we’ll see an increase in remote voting through the weekend, as voters choose to stay home, given the continued spread of Covid-19,” explained Amanda Mohar, Communications Director, Democrats Abroad.

“So far, the virus has had limited impact on our voting centers, but we are especially encouraging those who may be sick or more susceptible to look at their remote voting options. Remote voting will be available for everyone, no matter what.”

Democrats Abroad is closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation, tracking local government response and guidance, and keeping voters, campaign teams and the DNC updated. As of March 5, closures have impacted voting centers in China and South Korea, and in limited locations in Italy. Some activities in Paris, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have also shifted times and locations as well. Voters are encouraged to check democratsabroad.org for the latest updates, and should reach out to local leadership with any related questions.

Key Dates:

• 3-10 March 2020: Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary in-person voting
• 10 March 2020: Remote ballots due
• 23 March 2020: Global Presidential Primary results announced
• 16 May 2020: Democrats Abroad Global Convention
• 13-16 July 2020: Democratic National Convention
• 3 November, 2020: United States Presidential Election

Photo: Meagan Adele Lopez, Democrats Abroad France (Paris)