As you’ve probably heard, Trump is attempting to disenfranchise millions of voters by restricting who can vote by mail by using an executive order to direct the USPS to only deliver the ballots that he deems worthy. As voters abroad, we are in a unique position to protect the delivery of ALL of our overseas ballots.

Federal courts have blocked implementation of the order for now, but the Trump regime is appealing, and the legal battle is far from over.

For U.S. citizens abroad, any attempt to disrupt or delay the delivery of overseas ballots is a direct threat to our ability to participate in American elections. We have a built-in solution, specific to the federal law that requires ALL voters abroad to have the option to request an emailed ballot. 

You can and should secure your ballot right away!

Democrats Abroad is urging every overseas American voter to request "electronic ballot delivery", the one delivery method that cannot be undermined by the U.S. Postal Service.  

Here’s what you should do today:

If you've already submitted a ballot request form and chose to receive your ballot by postal mail:

• Go to votefromabroad.org and submit a new ballot request form. Change your ballot delivery preference to electronic. ***Your most recent request replaces your earlier one.*** If you can’t remember what your preference was, don’t risk it. Resubmit your form. It takes 5 minutes!

If you have not yet submitted your ballot request form:

• Do not delay! Go to votefromabroad.org, which quickly guides you through the process of requesting a ballot from the last state where you lived. Be sure to select electronic ballot delivery.

If you have any questions or issues with requesting ballots or changing the mode of delivery, we are here to help you. Contact us for 1:1 support: [email protected] 

If you live in Lisbon, you can get in-person help submitting your ballot request form or resubmitting your form on July 12:

Come to our voter registration and ballot request event at Good Company Books, July 12, 10:30AM to 12:30PM, Av Visconde de Valmor 2, Lisbon. 

Click for more details and to RSVP

Spread the word and volunteer with us!

• Forward this urgent information to Americans you know who live abroad — in Portugal or anywhere else. Overseas votes can be the defining votes in tight elections. Don’t let them mess with your ballot and don’t sit this one out!
• Interested in getting more active? As the Midterms approach, we need help with registering voters, phonebanking, outreach to Americans living in the Lisbon area and more. Send us an email. We’ll find ways you can contribute that fit your interests, skills and schedule! [email protected]

PS. Joy is RESISTANCE! Don’t forget to have Fun!

If you live in Lisbon or might be nearby on July 16, join us at Quiosque Avenida de Roma to mix, mingle, have some drinks and enjoy the summer weather (starting at 5:30PM).

We would love to see you at our upcoming events, and we very much encourage you to invite friends!

Other ways to take action and connect

Motivate Americans in Portugal to Vote - Phonebank!

We're ramping up to train this year's phonebanking team! Whether you've done it before or are brand new to phonebanking, please join us as we reach out to Democrats in Portugal with important election information and reminders: Email Democrats Abroad Portugal

Join the Democratic Viewpoints Book Club!

Join Dems Abroad Portugal volunteers to read and discuss interesting perspectives. The next virtual meet up and discussion is July 16th, 6:00PM.  More details here.

And watch this space for the Films For Fighting Fascism film club starting in September. 

See you around town!

Democratically Yours,

Lynnette Shaw, DAPT Chair & the Executive Team

www.democratsabroad.org/pt

DA Portugal
https://www.democratsabroad.org/