Straight from the Heart
by Thessaloniki Chapter Chair Irem Tunc
We are less than 100 days away from the midterm elections. Every one of us has an election to participate in, and I need to say something that may seem obvious: we cannot afford to sit this one out.
I know a lot of us are tired. It feels like every day brings something new to be angry about, something new to worry about. Maybe you’ve even shut yourself off from the news. Regardless, that feeling of overwhelm is real, and you’re not alone. But tiredness doesn't mean powerlessness. It means it's time to take action. Get yourself registered to vote at VoteFromAbroad.org, and spend 5 minutes on Ballotpedia.org to familiarize yourself with what will be on your ballot.
This election isn't about seeing a more perfect union overnight. It's about stopping the damage that's happening right now. Before we can talk about the country we actually want, we have to stop the bleeding. That starts with these midterms. We all have opinions about the Democratic Party these days, and it’s captivating to have a lively debate about it. But don’t get distracted. Even if your preferred candidate lost their primary, please rally around the Democratic nominee. I repeat, we have to stop the bleeding. In order to do that, we need to flip (at least) 4 seats in the Senate, and (at least) 6 in the House.
Taking back Congress is not going to be easy. On top of the midterms having historically low voter turnout (according to the Federal Voting Assistance Program ((FVAP)), a whopping 3.4% of eligible voters abroad cast a ballot in 2022), we are being bombarded with disheartening and confusing news about the Republicans trying to take our rights away; yes, yours and mine. Did you know Don himself votes by mail? Try not to get lost in those weeds. We can vote, and, as I write this, can still depend on the systems to get our ballots back.
There is one recurring theme in the headlines that is worth paying attention to - this regime is pulling out every trick in the book to make this election go their way. It shouldn't come as a surprise that when they lose, they will cry “rigged”. We don't just need to win; we need to win so overwhelmingly that no sane person can claim election fraud. That is why your vote, every single vote, matters. We have this privilege and opportunity to send this significant message back home, and to the rest of the world.
To everyone who votes every single cycle, without fail, rain or shine: thank you. You are the backbone of this. I hope we can rely on you to either make some phone calls and/or remind your American friends and family to vote. This year matters just as much as every year before it, maybe infinitely more.
And to everyone who has never voted from abroad, this message is for you too. You are not late. You are exactly who we need right now. Democrats Abroad exists for this exact reason: to make sure that living overseas is never the reason your voice doesn't count. We will help you. It is so much easier, and rewarding, than you think.
This isn't about being a perfect activist or knowing every detail of every race. It's just about showing up. One ballot. One step that adds up with the millions of others who are desperate to stop the bleeding.
So here's what I'm asking: register, if you haven't. Request your ballot, if you haven't. If you have, call a few friends. Mark these deadlines down somewhere you'll actually see it. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Ballots are legally required to be sent to you 45 days before that, which is Saturday, September 19.
Remember, we stop the bleeding first. Then we rebuild something better. But it starts with all of us, in the next 100 days, doing this one thing.
Πάμε!