It's Election Day in South Africa!
Today couldn't be a more fitting day to reflect on the importance of democracy and how important our right to vote is - both in SA and the US. Many of us have taken it for granted in the US but voter suppression and the struggle for voting rights continues - and will only improve with Democratic leadership!
You should have received our Africa Day email sent in collaboration with the Democrats Abroad Africa Committee and and we hope you acted on the nudge to both request your ballot and help us find other US Citizens across the continent. Please use every opportunity to serve as everyday voting ambassadors!
Request Your Ballot & Reach Out Today
Please take today as an opportunity to reach out to other US Citizens in SA, across the continent and around the world. But please, step #1 is to request your own ballot.
You'll find posts you can share on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
VOTER APATHY IS A THREAT TO ANY DEMOCRACY
DASA Op-Ed
South Africans living overseas have been voting at embassies across the globe and head to the polls today locally on the official election day. Their participation is critical in what many see as the most consequential election in South Africa since 1994. Yet there are worrying indicators suggesting a fair number of young South Africans will choose not to vote at all. This voter apathy is concerning.
There can be various influences and pressures that shape (or disfigure) democracy, but voter apathy is one that is highly detrimental to its functioning – and one we have the power as citizens to control.
The United States is facing a similar threat. A repeat showdown of the 2020 candidates and the governmental paralysis caused by extreme partisan positioning has left many voters uninterested in participating in the election in November, despite the two parties promising dramatically different outcomes.
...No matter how disinterested, overwhelmed by choice or disgusted by the candidates people may feel, citizens in democratic societies should remember their obligation to vote...
Read the full piece HERE
REQUEST YOUR 2024 BALLOTS NOW
REQUEST YOUR BALLOT NOW
Head to www.votefromabroad.org today to request your 2024 primary and 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!
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.
GET INVOLVED
Help us find US Citizens abroad! 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.
VOTER OUTREACH
Liz O'Leary and Tiffany Jackson-Zunker recently represented Vote from Abroad at the American International School (Joburg) Family Fun Day to help potential voters request their ballots! Thanks to Tiwana Merritt for linking us up again this year.
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STATE TEAMS
State Teams are currently launching activities and events for 2024 - don't miss out!
The 2024 national 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
June is Pride Month!
Read the LGBTQ+ Caucus' recent newsletter HERE
Join the LGBTQ+ Caucus HERE
Info on the website is outdated but if you join the caucus you should receive the newsletter and info on several interesting upcoming events - including Amsterdam Canal Pride...for anyone heading to Amsterdam in August!
YOUTH CAUCUS LOOKING FOR LEADERS
The Global Youth Caucus is searching for an 18-35 year-old Democrat abroad to join the steering committee, representing Africa. Your responsibilities will include attending meetings, actively participating in planning virtual events, advocating for youth issues within Democrats abroad and back in the US, and potentially joining the youth task force on gun violence.
If you or someone you know is interested in making a difference, please reach out to our current youth representative from Kenya, Mohamed Ahmed at [email protected] or [email protected]
Join the Global Youth Caucus HERE
GLOBAL BLACK CAUCUS (GBC) LOOKING FOR LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS
Be part of the team driving change! You'll advocate for overseas voters and amplify the voices of the underrepresented. Together, we will create a more inclusive future for all. 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
Take a look through the initial 2024 "Working Plan Doc" with links to a spreadsheet of organisations for outreach HERE
Interested in hosting or speaking on a podcast? Can you help research Black candidates running across the US, relevant podcasts, and Substack writers? Can you create videos, graphics or assist with social media?
Please get in touch
[email protected]
Angela Fobbs - GBC Chair
Adrianne George - GBC GOTV Team Lead
DEMOCRATS ABROAD BUSINESS - Upcoming Conventions, Elections, Platform Development, etc.
You would have received emails from our Global Leadership regarding the upcoming DA & DNC Conventions and opportunities for involvement. We've also been sharing info our in our newsletters but if you're interested, please read the emails or follow these links for more info.
Our EMEA regional convention was held this past Sunday 26 May primarily to elect DNC Members and Delegates to the DNC Convention in August. These are the aspects of being part of a political party you don't see until you're fully involved - hours and hours of meetings, forums and formalities, pages of information and hours of preparation. Not the most fun aspect of Democrats Abroad but valuable for us to play our part nonetheless.
31 May - 2 June Democrats Abroad Global Convention and AGM (Costa Rica and Hybrid)
https://www.democratsabroad.org/2024_agm
Democrats Abroad 2024 Platform
We will be voting on the Democrats Abroad Platform at the Global Convention. The final draft is available on the website if you'd like to take a look HERE
We're proud to share that DASA Member Aaron Kruse in Hermanus (who has previously served as Chair of DA China) has been appointed by the Global Chair to serve on the Global Platform Committee. Thank you Aaron!
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]
DASA EVENTS
Thursday 6 June - Book Launch of DASA Member Barbara Ludman's "Moving On"
5:30 for 6:00pm
Love Books, Bamboo Lifestyle Centre, Melville - Joburg
More Info & RSVP HERE
GLOBAL EVENTS
Tuesday 11 June
Saving Democracy with the highly acclaimed David Pepper
Hosted by DA Barcelona
7:30pm SA Time
Info & RSVP HERE
Sunday 16 June - Preconceived Film Screening and Q&A with the Filmmaker
More info HERE and HERE for the two time options
**Tuesday 18 June - Save the Date - the 4th annual Pride Month webinar with Senator Tammy Baldwin
Check back for event info coming soon at www.democratsabroad.org/events
Wednesday 19 June - Global Black Caucus Juneteenth - Make Good Trouble Video-making Marathon
9am-9pm SA Time
This year on Juneteenth, we are taking our democracy and our fate back from the politicians, pundits, opinionators, and deluded fascists. Democracy is about "we the people." For too long, we've depended on candidates to inspire people to vote. We can't wait for that to happen! This election, like all elections, is about us, and we need to act. No one wants to wake up on November 6 with Trump and the Republicans poised to take over our government.
We need everyone who cares about the future and our lives to come out and make a stand for democracy. During this marathon event, we need you to show up and make a video about the issues that concern you and motivate you to vote. These videos will be used on our DA social media to encourage and motivate others to vote. We welcome participation from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, races, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
More Info & RSVP HERE
Thursday 20 June - LGBTQ+ Caucus Screening: How to Survive a Plague The Untold Story of How Aids Stopped Being a Death Sentence. Event includes a Q&A with the filmmaker David France and activist Peter Stanley.
7pm SA Time (Online)
Info and RSVP HERE
Friday 28 June - Monthly Casual: Challenges of Living Abroad
Global Seniors & Disability Caucuses
Coming up in July...
10 July - Save the Date - Discussion with Heather Cox Richardson
These are just a few of the upcoming events. Take a look at the various global events, with wide-ranging topics, taking place regularly through Democrats Abroad https://www.democratsabroad.org/events
JUNE ACTIONS
Join the Democracy Squad
Democrats Abroad invites everyone to participate, wherever you are, to engage as attachés for our Democracy Squad 2024. Our Democracy Squad will help penetrate local social media groups to engage Americans outside DA’s normal purview, who may be unaware of their voting rights, procedures, and timetables.
https://www.democratsabroad.org/democracy_squad
Make a Video
Participate in the Juneteenth video-making marathon (above) or make your own video using this guidance. Please also send to DASA so we can use it locally. [email protected]
https://www.democratsabroad.org/make_a_video_to_help_get_out_the_vote_2024
A MUST READ / WATCH...
WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?
When you draft letters to Pres. Biden and your House & Senate members in your head, what do they say?
Write the letters & hit send!
(You may have seen that several Congressional Staffers protested this month - partly inspired by the letters they receive from citizens!)
Contact your Representatives in the House
https://www.house.gov/representatives
Contact your Senators
https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
Contact The White House https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
CONNECT
Americans in South Africa are invited to get in touch and get involved, contact us at [email protected]
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DemocratsAbroadSouthAfrica
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/democratsabroadsouthafrica/
Can you contribute $24, $240 or $2400 toward our work 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!