It feels that there are few polite words to describe the moment and the reality we face so I'll keep this brief. Our Global Chair, Martha McDevitt-Pugh has written to all members and I will write more soon but I wanted to acknowledge this moment, particularly for those of you who are not in our WhatsApp group, and needed to get urgent info out on Ballot Curing as well as a Joburg meet-up.
Like many of you, I have spent the past couple of days trying to process, catch my breath and keep up with messages. I am exhausted and emotional so trying to be careful. We all process in different ways and need to give each other that space and grace. We know clearly what side of history and humanity we are on and are undeterred! We will rise together and we will regroup, strengthened and focused for the next battles toward freedom in its greatest sense.
My greatest concern at the moment are the people whose lives, identities and rights are now under even greater direct threat in the US. We will need to work together to protect each other and our country, not turn against each other.
Though there is significant work to come, we should stand tall and be proud of the work we have done and proud to have many incredible leaders to guide us forward. For today I encourage you to listen to Stacey Abrams HERE
URGENT & IMPORTANT NOTICE: There are several states that have close races in the House & Senate and several states allow for ballots that have mistakes or signature issues to be “cured”.
If you vote in the "close race" states, you would’ve received an email from Democrats Abroad Global urging you to CHECK YOUR BALLOT STATUS Please check your email - it would have come in from DA Voter Information Team - [email protected].
I’ve also put some info here in this google doc. This is a process I know very little about so you’ll need to be proactive and read, follow the steps. Every seat and every ballot remain important! Please also share this info with family and friends in these states!
FINDING COMMUNITY IN SOUTH AFRICA
As you know, Democrats Abroad is a volunteer-led organisation. We encourage members in Cape Town, Durban, Joburg and across the country to let us know if you're willing to host a meet-up in the coming days or months to bring people together and create community. All you need to do is identify a venue (home, café or other) and provide a date and time and we'll share the info. Keep it simple, but being together does help!
JOBURG MEET-UP
Sunday 10 November
11:00-13:00
Milk Bar - Parkmore, Sandton
RSVP 076 505 6369
One of our members, Waahida Tolbert-Mbatha, has offered to host a meet-up for those in the Joburg area wanting to get together on Sunday. Food and drinks are for your own account.
You're welcome to stop by any time but please let her know if you're coming so we can book accordingly. Its a great venue and the service we had there on Wednesday was absolutely excellent despite the situation.
Thank you,
Liz O'Leary - Chair
Democrats Abroad South Africa