In January's Newsletter —
Events:
- Monthly Executive Committee Meeting
- Kitchen Table Talk – Tuesday, January 30
- Kitchen Table Talk – Sunday, February 11
- An Evening at the Theatre for Black History Month
- Annual General Meeting – TBD
- Global Presidential Primary Voting Centers
Message from the Chair
Global Presidential Primary:
- Why Vote in the GPP?
- Who Can Vote in the GPP?
- Countdown to the DA’s Global Presidential Primary
Issues and Actions:
- New Year’s Resolution
- International Voter Registration Day
- Why Use the Federal Postcard Application on Vote from Abroad?
Inside DA Austria:
- Youth Outreach Person Needed!
- Help DA Austria Plan for 2024 – Sustaining Donor Drive
- Build the 2024 Platform at a Kitchen Table Talk
Review:
- Punsching for Democracy
- Congressman Jamie Raskin Webinar
Our Executive Committee meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month. Our next meeting will be held in person and online at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 11. Members are welcome to join us at the meetings. Please contact Richard at [email protected] for the address and meeting link.
DAA is making a strong effort to include in our monthly newsletter all the information you need to stay up to date. By sending you fewer emails, we hope you will read those you receive. Thanks for reading!
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Events:
Monthly Executive Committee Meeting
When: Thursday, January 11, 2024
Time: 7:30–9:00 p.m. CET
Where: In person and online.
Write [email protected] if you care to attend or need a link to participate online
Kitchen Table Talk I
When: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m. CET
Where: TENTATIVE – Republikanischer Club – Neues Österreich, Fischerstiege 1-7, 1010 Vienna
RSVP: https://www.democratsabroad.org/at_ktt_january_2024
Kitchen Table Talk II
When: Sunday, February 11, 2024
Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m. CET
Where: TENTATIVE – Republikanischer Club – Neues Österreich, Fischerstiege 1-7, 1010 Vienna
RSVP: https://www.democratsabroad.org/at_ktt_february_2024
Black History Month – N
Show and artist talk to benefit DA Austria’s 2024 get out the vote effort
Play by Adrienne Earle Pender and a production of Vienna Theatre Project
When: TBD (week of Feb 20, 2024)
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Where: Drachengasse Theater, Drachengasse 2, 1010 Vienna
RSVP: Theater Fun-Raiser —N
DA’s Global Presidential Primary
When: Tuesday, March 5, and Saturday, March 9, 2024
Time: 3:00–8:00 p.m. on Tuesday; 2:00–7:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Where: Webster University, Praterstrasse 23, 1020 Vienna.
RSVP:
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Saturday, March 9, 2024
– Global Events Online –
Global Taxation Task Force Wednesday Webinars
When: Every Wednesday between January 10–February 28, 2024
Time: varies
Where: Online
RSVP: https://www.democratsabroad.org/taxation_events
Global Women’s Caucus
Shaping the Future in 2024
When: Saturday, January 13
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Where: Online
RSVP: https://www.democratsabroad.org/women_vote_2024
International Voter Registration Day!
When: January 13–15
Time: weekend marathon
Where: Online
RSVP: for live in-person help on Zoom, bit.ly/zoomthevote
Global Black Caucus – MLK Day
with Harcourt Klinefelter, Former Martin Luther King Press Officer (This year would have been MLK's 95th Birthday!)
When: Monday, January 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. CET
RSVP: https://www.democratsabroad.org/mlk_day_event_with_2024
Global Progressive Caucus
Monthly Mondays for Progressive Minds
When: January 29
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Where: Online
RSVP: https://www.democratsabroad.org/brucemurray/arms_control_for_a_more_livable_world
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Message from the Chair
Firstly, Happy New Year to all our Democrats Abroad Austria members! We at DAA hope you had a wonderful and rejuvenating time with friends and family over the holiday season. So, now that it’s 2024, it is show time: Time to get to work to defend our democracy and prevent Trump from even getting close to the White House again. I think we all shudder at what that would mean for our country – and our planet, quite frankly. The first step you can do is take 10 minutes to request your ballot for 2024 by going to VoteFromAbroad.org. Once you do that, you are set for the year (and it is one less person we at DA need to call and send a reminder to). Step two would be to think about how you might support registering other Americans living in Austria. If interested, send me an email at [email protected] and be part of a great community effort to win the White House and Congress in 2024!
Richard
Chair, DA Austria
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The 2024 Global Presidential Primary:
JANUARY ACTION ITEMS
Remember you’ll need to re-request your ballot for the 2024 elections. Go to VoteFromAbroad.org today and request your ballot for the November election AND for the presidential primary. Please reach out if you have any questions or issues with the process at [email protected].
WHY VOTE IN THE GLOBAL PRIMARY?
Lots of reasons!
First, participating in the Global Presidential Primary shows the US (and the world) how important our elections are to US citizens living abroad – and how important WE are to those elections. Our strength is in numbers, and by making our voices heard loudly, we make the issues that matter to us known. Voting in the Global Presidential Primary is a forceful way to advocate for those issues.
Second, a vote in the Global Presidential Primary has greater weight than it does in a voter’s “home” state party. While tens of thousands of people will participate in the global primary this year, millions will vote in a voter's home state. That means that a vote in the Global Presidential Primary is more powerful than if a vote back home – in fact, it could be 4 times more powerful for voters in states like California.
Third, by casting a vote in the Global Primary, US citizens abroad will help give Democrats Abroad a stronger voice and greater weight within the Democratic National Committee. Representation in the DNC is based on proportionality. The more we vote, the more representation we have, and this improves our chances of achieving some of our most important policy goals.
Fourth, the Global Presidential Primary is the same week as Super Tuesday, which means that it will have an impact early in the nominating race. Who knows? The whole contest could ultimately be decided by the outcome of our primary ... the next POTUS could be determined by the vote that ANY OF US cast in the Global Presidential Primary! No, really. We're not exaggerating.
Finally, we have made it very easy for US citizens to participate both at our Voting Centers and by remote voting options. Sheer turnout – raw numbers – really does matter, and that’s why we want Americans abroad to vote in the Global Presidential Primary.
WHO VOTES IN THE GPP?
The Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary (GPP) runs from March 5 to March 12, 2024, at voting centers around the world to help select the next Democratic presidential candidate.
Democrats Abroad will send delegates to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August 2024, reflecting our primary results. These delegates will be elected at our regional and global conventions in May, 2024.
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Primary Voters must meet the following criteria to vote:
- Reside abroad and be a US Citizen
- Be a member of Democrats Abroad
- Be 18 as of November 5, 2024
- Not have voted, or plan to vote, in any other 2024 state presidential primary.
- Voters may register and request their primary ballot via https://voteabroad.org/GPPballot2024 or via a google form.
- Remote primary ballots will be available from February 13, 2024 through March 12, 2024.
- Voters may also register and vote in person at voting centers around the world between March 5 and March 12, 2024.
- Democrats Abroad allows same-day registration and ballot requests for voters participating in the Global Presidential Primary.
Participate in the Global Presidential Primary in Austria!
Find out more about the Global Presidential Primary and how you can run to be a delegate here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/2024primary.
COUNTDOWN TO THE SUPER TUESDAY GPP
Do you ever find yourself nostalgic for your home state’s caucus primary process, where you and your neighbors crammed into a fragrant school gym or a local library to select your candidate for president? Perhaps you've longed to be a delegate at the National Democratic Convention?
Well, don’t worry. Just because you live in Austria doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. The Global Presidential Primary (GPP) is our party-run primary that allows members of Democrats Abroad living outside of the United States to participate in the presidential candidate nomination process.
How does the GPP work? There are several ways for you to participate, partly depending on your location. Vienna will host two GPP events on March 5 (Super Tuesday) and March 9. Join in person to gather with fellow Democrats and vote for your choice for the Democratic presidential candidate.
Tuesday, March 5 from 3:00– 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, March 9 from
2:00–7:00 p.m. at Webster Vienna Private University (Palais Wenkheim, Praterstraße 23, 1020 Vienna)
In areas without a Chapter, but with volunteer support, there may be ballot assistance events during the same period, providing further opportunities to build community and enthusiasm among Democrats. Additionally, members of DA Austria can receive a presidential ballot via email in January, which you can return electronically.
Watch this space as we describe more about the process over the next few months.
Volunteers are organizing in cities outside of Vienna to host ballot assistance events. Would you like to be part of a GPP team and contribute to building positive momentum for 2024 in your area? We would love to have you!
Fill out this short GPP volunteer form or send an email to [email protected], and we will connect you with the leadership in your area.
Find out more about the Voting Center in Vienna https://www.democratsabroad.org/atgpp24
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Issues & Actions:
24% FOR 2024 — MEMBER BALLOT REQUEST DRIVE
Our New Year's resolution is for 24% of DA Austria’s members – that’s 419 members – to go to Vote from Abroad in January and request their ballots for 2024. You benefit by being ready to vote in every election and receiving your ballots by email. We benefit by saving volunteer time and donor money over the next months.
Help us reach our goal!
INTERNATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY IS JAN 15!
DA’s trained volunteers around the world will open our beloved Zoom Rooms on January 13–15, 2024 during the International Voter Registration Day Marathon. All voters can join for live in-person help on Zoom, http://bit.ly/zoomthevote
WHY USE THE FPCA ON VOTE FROM ABROAD?
A ballot’s a ballot, right? Wrong!
A Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) requested ballot:
Has a 95% acceptance rate…
States must allow UOCAVA voters to use the FPCA to register to vote and request a ballot and use the FWAB as a backup ballot for federal offices if their requested state ballot does not arrive in time.
and a voter may use a backup ballot if needed.
Ballots are sent earlier and electronically…
States are required to transmit ballots to UOCAVA voters at least 45 days before federal elections and must offer electronic transmission of voting information and blank ballots.
and increases the return rate by almost 30%.
Only 3.4% of overseas eligible citizens voted in 2022...
Despite having had a significant impact in the 2020 election–providing the votes that put the Biden/Harris ticket over the top in Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin–overseas voters continue to request and return their ballots at a fraction of the US average. At DA we want to make sure your ballot is successfully requested, returned, and counted.
Request your ballot at Vote From Abroad and be counted!
A few details:
Overseas voters should request their ballot in each calendar year to ensure they receive a ballot and their vote will be counted. Requesting your ballot with a Federal Postcard Application (FPCA) via Vote from Abroad provides you as a voter with state voting information that has been checked to be accurate and up to date.
But the service VFA provides goes even further: trained volunteers at Vote from Abroad provide voter help through our 1:1 voter help Zoom Rooms, DA hires a voter protection expert to work with voters when they think they’ve been disenfranchised or unable to vote, and DA advocates with state legislatures to expand ballot access and voting rights for US citizens abroad.*
Access to federal elections for US citizens living overseas – both private and military – are protected under a federal law, the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). Voters covered by UOCAVA are entitled to certain protections that states may not extend to other voters.
For example, states must allow UOCAVA voters to use the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register to vote and request a ballot and use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) as a backup ballot for federal offices if their requested state ballot does not arrive in time.** Also, states are required to transmit ballots to UOCAVA voters at least 45 days before federal elections and must offer electronic transmission of voting information and blank ballots.
Furthermore, some states do not recognize UOCAVA protections for military and overseas voters who do not use the FPCA.***
A few facts:
*In 2023 in New Jersey, thanks to volunteers at Democrats Abroad, the DA initiated voting rights bill A3929/S2899 was signed into law. This new law allows overseas voters whose return to New Jersey is uncertain to vote in state elections (citizens who mark 'My return is uncertain' on the Federal Post Card Application).
** A backup ballot for federal offices is available provided the voter’s initial application was timely – a good reason to fill out your FPCA today!
*** Based on the 2020 and 2022 PEVS-SEO data. Read the entire FVAP 2024 report here: https://www.fvap.gov/uploads/FVAP/Reports/rtc_20231113_V10_FINAL.pdf
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Inside DA Austria:
YOUTH OUTREACH PERSON NEEDED!
Voters under 35 will be critical to electing Democrats up and down the ballot in 2024. Hundreds of young Americans either live or study in Austria and we want to ensure their voices, concerns, and passions are heard. Help us engage the youth vote in Austria! Find out what you can do as DAAT’s Youth Coordinator. Write Richard at [email protected] to find out more.
24 FOR ‘24 — DA AUSTRIA'S SUSTAINING DONOR DRIVE
Help DA Austria Plan for 2024
The 2024 elections are again set to be among the most important in our lifetimes. We know from the 2020 and 2022 elections that US citizens living abroad can actually make the difference in close races. Democrats Abroad Austria has a lot of big plans to help turn out the vote from every Bundesland to every state next year:
- Call campaign to all our DA Austria members in late January – expect our call
- Voter registration drive in January because we have to request our ballots every single year
- Global Presidential Primary so that our members can cast a ballot in person
- Advertise and voter registration tables in public places to drive up our membership in the spring and summer
- Remind our members directly through calling and postcard-writing campaigns to turn them out to vote in November
In order to properly plan for these activities, we need to guarantee our funding. For that we need your help! That's why today, we are launching the 24 for ‘24 Sustaining Donors campaign.
Sustaining Donors who sign up now will allow us to strategize early on in 2024 and ultimately reach more US citizens living in Austria. Even a few dollars a month helps us to know where to invest and what we can count on in the months ahead. As you know, we are an all-volunteer organization, so your contribution will go straight to resources to get out the vote in 2024! Among other things, your contributions help us run social media campaigns, advertise Vote from Abroad in public spaces, secure desirable event venues, and provide voter registration in person.
Show us your love by Valentine's Day and commit to a donation each month. Your donation of $5, $10, $24 or more will help us bring Americans to the polls in Austria and globally. A cup of coffee a month can make a world of difference!
Take a moment and support our work for the cost of a cup of coffee. Go to the 24 for ‘24 page and help Democrats Abroad win more in ‘24!
BUILD THE 2024 PLATFORM! JOIN A A KITCHEN TABLE TALK
Next year’s elections in the US aren’t just about electing a Democratic President, winning back the House, and keeping the Senate, it’s also a time when the Democratic Party discusses its policies and refines its platform. Democrats Abroad is getting a head start on the platform process by asking members to send in their opinions on platform topics. DA Austria will be hosting two get-togethers to meet up for Kitchen Table Talks to discuss a few of these topics.
On Tuesday, January 30, Tanya Lolonis (Solidarity Sundays) will lead a discussion on the topics of economy, healthcare, and reproductive rights. RSVP here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/at_ktt_january_2024
Bruce Murray (ProDA) will lead a discussion on strengthening U.S. democracy, social infrastructure, and climate change on Sunday, February 1. RSVP here: https://www.democratsabroad.org/at_ktt_february_2024
For a full list check here: Kitchen Table Talks.
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Review:
ANNUAL HOLIDAY MEET-UP
A big thank you to those who turned up for our “Punsching for Democracy” event at the Karlsplatz Christmas Market on December 15. We were joined by some newcomers, which was great! We ended the evening at the nearby Wein & Kunst, where we shared some good wine, a bite to eat, and conversation.
WEBINAR WITH CONGRESSMAN JAMIE RASKIN
On January 6, 2024, Congressman Raskin (former member of DA France), spoke to Democrats Abroad members about the events of January 6, 2021, and the work we still need to do to protect our democracy in November 2024. He began his talk with, “I tell everybody, the best Democratic state party in America is actually Democrats Abroad.”
More than 1,000 people joined the call, which was live streamed on Facebook, and people were able to ask questions at the end. Congressman Raskin is a big fan of Democrats Abroad, and he gave an inspiring talk.
Watch the recording here; Congressman Jamie Raskin talks to Democrats Abroad on J6 anniversary
Thank you for reading the January Newsletter!