“The 2024 Democrats Abroad delegation to the Democratic National Convention announces its nearly unanimous support for Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President of the United States of America.
During the Global Presidential Primary, run in March 2024, U.S. citizens abroad voted in overwhelming numbers in support of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Today, our delegation wholeheartedly endorses Kamala Harris to become the 47th President of the United States. Kamala Harris has played a key role in championing the country’s economic recovery, supporting climate action, fighting for gun control, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, voting rights and much more….”
Read the Full Statement Here
Here we go!
Let’s talk about inspiration! Kamala brought with her a breath of fresh air and a little wind beneath the wings of the Democratic party (and voters!). The buzz is running high, but we need only remember a few key points to further fuel our drive for a democratic win in November: The RNC has formally nominated a convicted criminal who repeatedly erodes confidence in our elections as its candidate for President of our truly great land. And his running mate has a reputation as one of the most far-right extremists in Washington. Then there is Project 2025, a conservative handbook that provides a policy agenda, layout for personnel, training, and a 180-day playbook for the next GOP president. It’s objective is clear: to be “ready to carry this agenda out on day one of the next conservative administration”.
To confront these headwinds, we as Democrats need to show up, vote, and work to reach the independent-leaning voters and convince them to cast their ballots for the Democrats’ nominee. While fear of what might happen should the Democrats lose might get some of us over the finish line, we need to remember the many, many seats that are up for election in November. Control of the House and Senate will be key to defeating the negative rights-stripping agenda of the opposition. State leadership roles, local election officials, attorneys general – all of these elected positions uphold our democracy and we need to be present to command victory in those races.
Being far away and watching the mud bath of U.S. politics from South Africa can sometimes leave you feeling powerless. Battle back against this and help catalyze the momentum of VP Harris’ nascent run. Find inspiration in knowing that your vote, and those of others you rally, can make that difference. Not only on the presidential ballot but at so many layers of our government. Be that change you want to see. Make it happen. VOTE.
Articles for anyone left on the fence and all of us as we challenge the lies and dangerous narratives:
In case you, or others you know, have any symptoms of amnesia, HERE is a great year-by-year review by the NYT of the Trump presidency. Reading through the numerous section headlines alone is like reliving a nightmare, but it is a handy text if you are needing to refute the lies about “unparalleled peace, prosperity and tranquility” or “the strongest economy in history,” that the opposing party uses to describe 45’s administration.
This is also a brief, easy to use article on responding to a few of the former president's ongoing litany of lies.
CRITICAL DATES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
START TODAY!
1. Request your 2024 Ballot at www.votefromabroad.org
2. Look at your state's timeframes and processes at www.votefromabroad.org/states
3. Read through our Voting from South Africa Info HERE and make a Voting Plan
4. Reach out to friends, family and wider networks to spread the positive energy and ensure all potential voters are ready to vote - especially if they are living abroad as we need to VOTE EARLY!
5. Saturday 21 September is BALLOT DAY - we should receive our ballots on the 21st (assuming you've requested yours!)
6. VOTE! Return your ballot right away (by 25 Sept if using the Consulate service or 4 Oct for states that allow electronic returns.
REQUEST YOUR 2024 BALLOTS NOW
REQUEST YOUR BALLOT NOW
If you haven't already - Go to www.votefromabroad.org today to request your 2024 overseas election ballots. Each state is different so please check your state’s processes and timeframes too.
If you or family members have had any challenges in the past, now is the time to sort them out for 2024. Don't wait until its too late! Every vote is needed!
NEED HELP?
There is plenty of info available on www.votefromabroad.org but if you need any help, email [email protected] or CLICK HERE for a range of HELPDESK options!
Contact the Voter Protection Team with any concerns related to voter rights or challenges you're having in your state at [email protected]
VOTING FROM SOUTH AFRICA
CLICK HERE for detailed info on VOTING FROM SOUTH AFRICA in 2024, including Consulate drop-off times and addresses for those in states that require postal return.
ALL IN!
GET INVOLVED TO ENSURE OUR CANDIDATES WIN!
The photo on the upper left is from our 2020 Victory Party in Joburg! Envision VICTORY again and get involved with DASA to help make it happen!
Help us find US Citizens abroad! Do you have creative ideas or skills to contribute to voter outreach? Interested in hosting a meetup or event? Please let us know at [email protected]
Volunteers make it all possible! Click on the red button above for the DASA volunteer interest form or email [email protected].
Democrats Abroad is a volunteer-led organisation but there's a lot of work to do, especially in an election year!
Democrats Abroad South Africa (DASA) is a small, newly reconstituted Country Committee so we're learning the ropes and trying to build our capacity but we need more help. We’re looking for volunteers in South Africa with a wide range of skills, interests and availability.
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Volunteers are also needed at the Global level for Phonebanking, Voter Assistance and more - please CLICK HERE for more info and training
VOTER OUTREACH
Members helped Get Out the Vote at
Global Diaspora Connect's Juneteenth Event in Joburg and the US Consulate's Independence Day Event in Cape Town. Special thanks to Khary Dickerson, Mary Harris, Brad Jackson, and Clara Priester in Joburg and Robert Simon & Magda Cynkutis-Simon and Aaron & Brittany Kruse, in the Western Cape.
And thanks to each of you who contributed to the Africa Day and Freedom Day outreach campaigns or have reached out to voters in other ways!
MEDIA
Join our Media Team
Media interest in the elections is now rolling! If you'd like to be involved in representing Democrats Abroad South Africa (DASA) by writing, speaking or organising please email [email protected] - let's build a team to share diverse voices as widely as possible!
Take a Listen 😊 - DASA member Ricardo Gressel's recent Cape Talk discussion! Ricardo knew Vice President Harris from their school days growing up in California. We'll hear more from Ricardo!
"Democrats Abroad React to Biden Race Withdrawl"
https://www.primediaplus.com/democrats-abroad-react-to-biden-race-withdrawal/
(Photo of Ricardo, Liz and Anita from the day after the Biden-Harris win in 2020!)
STATE TEAMS
Join one of the State Teams to help mobilise voters!
The 2024 Presidential elections may be closely decided by a few states but there are critical races in every state. We need to vote at local, state and national levels to ensure the best candidates win! Do you know what's happening in your state? There are active State Teams for battleground states and many others. You are welcome to join any state team to lend your support.
CLICK HERE to see if there's a Team for your state or choose a state you'd like to support
Upcoming State Team meetings: (they may not all always be listed here so sign up for a state team for regular info)
https://www.democratsabroad.org/stateteams_events
DEMOCRATS ABROAD CAUCUSES
Have you joined one of the
Democrats Abroad Caucuses?
Take a look!
https://www.democratsabroad.org/caucuses
GLOBAL BLACK CAUCUS
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. Join the Global Black Caucus (GBC) Get Out the Vote (GOTV) Team today, and let's make our voices heard!
Join the GBC at https://www.democratsabroad.org/bc
Join the GBC GOTV Team HERE
Please get in touch
[email protected]
Angela Fobbs - GBC Chair
Adrianne George - GBC GOTV Team Lead
More coming soon on various Caucus activities...join one or more to get involved!
EVENTS
We’d love your input!
- Please take a minute to share ideas through our DASA 2024 Venues and Events Survey CLICK HERE
- Interested in hosting an event or have an idea on finding American voters in SA? Let us know [email protected]
It was great to see Members at our Meetup for DASA Supervolunteer Barbara Ludman's recent book launch!
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UPCOMING DASA EVENTS
Friday 9 August - Women's Day
DASA Meetups
All Welcome
Let's celebrate a New Day in US Democracy!
Joburg
11:30 - 13:30
Prison Break Market, Lonehill/Glenferness
Cape Town
Time & Venue to be Confirmed
RSVP & More Info HERE
GLOBAL EVENTS
There will be MANY interesting and inspiring events coming up through Democrats Abroad, and other organisations, as we head into the elections. You can keep an eye on and join the Democrats Abroad events happening around the world here:
Democrats Abroad Events
https://www.democratsabroad.org/events
PLEASE CONNECT TO STAY UPDATED & SHARE!
Americans in South Africa are invited to get in touch and get involved, contact us at [email protected]
**Join our WhatsApp group**
**This is the quickest way for us to keep in touch regularly as a group!
https://chat.whatsapp.com/BxXyYp4Ay4cLsp41b4DFAm
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DemocratsAbroadSouthAfrica
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/democratsabroadsouthafrica/
Can you contribute $24, $240 or $2400 toward our voter mobilisation work in South Africa this year? We're a volunteer led organisation but still have expenses in getting out the vote. We'll greatly appreciate your support. Thank you!
Thank you!
Democrats Abroad South Africa