US Embassy in Athens showed support in 2021 (photo) and does still. February is Black History Month!
Dems Abroad Executive Director Visits Greece
Report compiled by DAGR Chair Brady Kiesling and Thessaloniki Chapter Chair Randall Warner
Dems Abroad Executive Director Jarryd Rauch fulfilled two goals in one January visit to Greece. Based in the US – home in NY, work in Washington, DC, Rauch is tasked with connecting DA, its three regions, 50-plus country committees, and caucuses, with the DNC (Democratic National Committee). High on his list is getting to know, in person if possible, leadership around the world. He landed here in Thessaloniki on Jan. 17, then travelled down to Athens for DAGR’s annual general meeting and election of 2023-24 officers.
DAGR Thessaloniki Chapter Chair Randall Warner and then-candidate for At Large Rep Daniel Roberts accompanied Rauch at a cordial and informative meeting with Thessaloniki Consulate General Public Affairs Officer Ioanna Koutsounanou on January 17. Rauch explained the DAGR Thessaloniki chapter’s mission of helping U.S. citizens in Northern Greece to cast their ballots. Ms. Koutsounanou noted the association of U.S. citizens in Kastoria as a potential interlocutor. Also, Pfizer's Thessaloniki Digital & Global Hub creates a significant new influx of U.S. and dual citizens potentially in need of voting information.
Following their election on the 18th, new DAGR Chair Brady Kiesling and Vice Chair Sarajane Leone took over hosting Rauch in Athens. The visit culminated with a very friendly and constructive meeting on January 20 with U.S. Embassy Consul General Benjamin Ousley, and his American Citizen Services team. Rauch laid out DA’s work with state and local election offices to make absentee voting from abroad easier. DA also advocates changing policies in those states that restrict our members from voting in state and local races.
Like us, the Embassy will be active in getting out the word to U.S. voters and helping them cast their votes. They encourage DAGR members and friends to register their contact information with the https://step.state.gov website. DAGR can and should play a role in helping the Embassy communicate to U.S. citizens in emergency situations. The normal email for voting and citizenship queries is [email protected] .