At our Annual General Meeting on April 16, 2023. In addition to electing the next board of DA NL we will vote on proposed changes to our by laws. They are available here for the review of the membership before the meeting.

Every 2 years, we elect leaders to keep Democrats Abroad NL going strong. Our
incoming leaders will face a challenging time as we look forward to the 2024 elections. Do you want to help lead our vibrant organization? Or do you know someone with
energy and commitment, who you’d like to nominate? Email: [email protected]

Click 'read more' for more details!

We're pleased to announce the formation of a Nominations & Election Committee comprised of Audrey Cajfinger, Eve Lewis, Don Seidenberg, and Mical Sikkema. They will issue a formal call for nominations shortly. In the meantime, you can learn about the roles and responsibilities of our Democrats Abroad officers here. 

Please save the date if you would like to attend. We look forward to seeing you — virtually or in person! RSVP here.

If you'd like to run for the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad Netherlands here are some handy overviews of what each positions entails. 

Click 'read more' for the full descriptions.

Our bylaws state that we must inform the membership 2 months in advance of our AGM. We are pleased to announce the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in-person and via Zoom on Sunday, April 16th at 3:00 PM. The AGM is a great opportunity to come together, re-set, elect the new board, and learn about the work of the past year and going forward. Following the event we will hold a borrel. RSVP here.

This is a midterm election year — all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, 35 of the 100 Senate seats, and 39 gubernatorial seats are up for grabs in November. U.S. citizens have the right to vote in primary and general elections, no matter where in the world they live! If you're a U.S. citizen, dual-national, or will be 18 on November 8, 2022, you have the right to vote from abroad in US elections — including in the November 2022 midterms!

As a U.S. citizen, you can register to vote from abroad while living, working, or traveling overseas by submitting one form — the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). It doesn't matter if you were registered to vote before you left the U.S., how long you’ve lived outside the U.S., or if you've never resided in the U.S. at all. You have the right to vote!

The U.S. State Department recommends, “all U.S. citizens living abroad complete and submit a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) annually, to ensure you remain on your state’s voter rolls and to ensure your local election office has your up-to-date contact information.” Vote From Abroad provides all the information, forms, and support help in one place to make voting easy!

📌  Please note that there is NO IN-PERSON VOTING in The Netherlands for the November election! 📌

✭ ✭ ✭ In 2022, these States must mail in the ballot. Vote as soon as you get your ballot! Don't wait to return your ballot! ✭ ✭ ✭

 Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Go to www.votefromabroad.org/states for specific details

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

What's covered on this page: 

1. Registering to vote and requesting your ballot

2. Confirming your request has been accepted

3. Receiving your ballot

4. Oct 1 and the ballot hasn’t arrived? 

5. Voting your ballot

6. Returning your ballot

7. Checking twice to prevent mistakes

8. Confirming your ballot's arrival

9. What to do if you encounter difficulties

10. Getting your "I Voted from Netherlands" Stickers 

✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭

1. Registering to vote and requesting your ballot for the 2022 midterm elections

The first step is to request your ballot, and if need be, register to vote from abroad. You should do this every election year to ensure you remain on your state’s overseas voter rolls and to ensure your local election office has your up-to-date contact information. It’s important to register as an absentee voter from abroad because the ballots of US citizens voting from abroad have special protections and are different from the standard absentee ballot. 

Go to votefromabroad.org to fill out your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) absentee ballot request — it takes 5-10 minutes! If you're not registered to vote, the FPCA also serves as a voter registration form. Choose the option to receive ballots by email.

The second step is to submit the FPCA absentee ballot request form to your local election office in the United States. Most states allow you to submit your FPCA directly from votefromabroad.org without the need to print it out. But some states require that you submit your completed form by email attachment, fax, or postal mail. State deadlines and submission methods can be found here.

If you have any questions while filling out your request form, go to the Vote from Abroad FAQ section or type your question in the website's chatbox (red circle in the bottom right-hand corner of each screen). Or you can email us at [email protected] 

2. Confirming your request has been accepted  ✅

After submitting your FPCA absentee ballot request form, call or email your Local Election Official (LEO) to confirm they have received it and will be sending your ballot. Your LEO's contact information is listed in the instructions generated when you fill out your FPCA form at Vote from Abroad. You can also look up their contact info here. 

Most states provide a website where you can verify your voter status. To find your state's website, click here and scroll down to “Where Is My Ballot?"

3. Receiving your ballot 📬

Your overseas absentee ballot is not your standard absentee ballot back home! Thanks to the MOVE Act, all states must send FPCA-requested  absentee ballots to overseas voters no later than 45 days before a federal election — this year that’s September 24, 2022. 

And, if requested, all states must send overseas voters their ballot by email.

You don't need to wait for ballots to arrive on September 24. If you're worried your ballot won't arrive on time, send in a Backup Ballot NOW. The Backup Ballot (Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot or FWAB) is specifically for overseas voters who are concerned they won't receive their official ballot in time to return it by the deadline. All details about the Backup Ballot can be found here.

4. Your ballot hasn’t arrived? 📭

Check your spam folder. Still no ballot? Contact your local election official here and confirm they’ve sent your ballot to you. Go to votefromabroad.org if you need to send in a new FPCA absentee ballot request form.

If you haven’t received your ballot by October 1 and your state requires postal mail return, we recommend you send in a Backup Ballot to make sure your vote gets to your state in time. All details about the Backup Ballot can be found here.

5. Voting your ballot 🗳️

It’s easy to get informed about candidates, ballot initiatives, and judicial candidates and important to vote your ballot completely. State and local races are critical in 2022! 

The simplest way is to vote for Democrats straight down the ballot. Some elected positions do not list a party affiliation, like school boards, judges, and others. To determine who to vote for in those cases, you can do the following: 

• Google your county's local Democratic Party
• Go to the League of Women Voters personalized ballot service 
• Go to Ballotpedia - Example: google “Ballotpedia Arizona elections 2022”
• Google the candidate's name to find their campaign website

6. There are lots of ways to return your ballot! 

📌 Remember! Only use a mail service if you cannot return your ballot electronically 📌

Ballot return methods – by email, online, postal mail, fax – vary by state. Always return your ballot as quickly as possible, but especially if your state only allows postal mail return. Find your state's exact ballot return methods here.

If your state allows email, online upload or fax  for ballot return, please use these options as they’re not subject to delay! Here is more information on fax submission.

If your state requires postal mail return, see info below on options from Netherlands.

New Jersey Voters: Please note that New Jersey allows for email or fax returns, but requires that the ballot ALSO be sent by postal mail.

New York Voters: Here are instructions on How to fold the New York State General Election ballot.

➡ International Postal Service:  

If your state requires postal mail ballot return, one option is to use express international mail from PostNL. Please remember mail service can be slow and send your ballot as soon as possible!

You should – and some states require you – to ask for a postmark or date stamp to be placed on the outer envelope. Find out your state’s requirements here. 

➡ The U.S. Embassy/Consulate diplomatic pouch: The U.S. Consulate in Amsterdam & The U.S. Embassy in The Hague requests that ballots sent by the diplomatic post be dropped off to security no later than four weeks before the ballot due date. You will need to place your ballots in a U.S. postage paid return envelopes (usually provided with your ballot) or in envelopes bearing sufficient U.S. postage. You can download a free U.S. postage-paid return envelope template at FVAP.gov.

Please be aware that using the diplomatic pouch does not mean your ballot will arrive faster. It can take up to four weeks for the mail to reach its final destination. Use a Back-up Ballot to make the diplomatic pouch deadline if your regular ballot hasn’t arrived. Find out more here.

The U.S. Consulate address in Amsterdam is: 

U.S. Consulate Amsterdam
Museumplein 19
1071 DJ Amsterdam
Hours: Weekdays between 8am and 4pm. (Closed U.S. and Dutch holidays)

The U.S. Embassy address in Wassenaar is: 

U.S. Consulate Amsterdam
John Adams Park 1
2244 BZ Wassenaar
Hours: Weekdays between 8am and 4pm. (Closed U.S. and Dutch holidays)

More information is on the website  

➡ Courier Service:

If your state requires postal mail ballot return, the quickest option is to use a courier service.

DA Netherlandsis working to arrange with DHL a discount for ballots to be returned to the U.S. We'll share the specific details here as soon as they've been set. Stay tuned!

Even with expedited courier services though, ballots still take several days to get to the United States. Please send your ballot as soon as possible! Do not wait! You should – and some states require you – ask for a postmark or date stamp (Zeitstempel) to be placed on the outer envelope. Find out your state’s requirements here. We do not recommend booking or paying online with any courier service. You will not receive a postmark if you book or pay online.

📌 Remember! Only use a mail service if you cannot return your ballot electronically 📌

7. Checking twice to prevent mistakes 👀

When filling out and packaging your ballot, don't forget to review the instructions carefully. Don't let human error spoil your ballot!

Regardless of how you send in your ballot, remember that you – the voter – must be the one who places it “in the mail.” In some states, it is unlawful for any other person to handle your voted ballot, even if it is sealed. Unsure? Find out your state’s requirements here. 

8. Confirming your ballot's arrival at your local election office in the United States ✓✓

Once you've sent your ballot, follow up with your local election official to make sure that it arrived and will be counted. Please do not just assume that your ballot has made it! 

The easiest way to ensure your ballot has arrived is to go to "Track Your Ballot" on your state’s website. You can also look up your local election office's contact details here and contact them directly. They may be experiencing a high volume of calls, so you may need to be persistent to get through to someone.

9. Having trouble? Need help? 😕

We understand that the voting process to some states can be confusing — that's why we're here to help! Send us an email at  [email protected] or contact [email protected]

Or, a one-on-one live voter help is just a Zoom away! Click in to ZoomTheVote, hosted and staffed by experienced VoteFromAbroad voter helpers, from anywhere in the world. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon-4pm EDT and Sundays from 11am-3pm EDT. Link to join is here: https://qrco.de/bbh0zg Please share widely!

10. Get your "I Voted from The Netherlands" sticker

Thank you for voting!  If you would like to print an “I Voted from The Netherlands” sticker go here.

Your Nominations and Elections Committee is happy to announce the candidates for the 2021-2023 DANL Executive Committee. Click on the candidate name to read their statements. There might be a video, too. 

Ready to vote? Check your email for your ballot and the ID number you'll need to cast your ballot.

Do you want to be part of leading Democrats Abroad NL? Nominations open soon.

We're pleased to announce the formation of a Nominations & Election Committee comprised of Karen Kao, Stirland Martin and Claire Taylor. They will issue a formal call for nominations shortly. In the meantime, you can learn about the roles and responsibilities of our Democrats Abroad officers here. 

Please save the date if you would like to attend. We look forward to seeing you — virtually or in person! RSVP here.

If you'd like to run for the Executive Committee of Democrats Abroad Netherlands here are some handy overviews of what each positions entails. 

Chair

Democrats Abroad Netherlands’ bylaws state: The Chair shall be the chief executive officer of DANL; shall call and preside at all meetings of the membership and of the Executive Committee; and shall have overall responsibility for all activities approved and conducted by DANL. The Chair shall be an ex-officio member of all committees, with full voting privileges thereon. Additional requirement: The Chair and Vice-Chair shall not be of the same gender.

Purpose: To provide overall direction for the activities of Democrats Abroad Netherlands (DANL).

Accountabilities: Overall responsibility to help formulate DANL’s goals and strategic direction and ensure it achieves these. The Chair is expected (but not required) to attend Democrats Abroad International’s annual regional and global meetings and reports to the Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Regional Chair and the International Chair.

Dimensions: Represent DANL, communicate its goals, and maintain and foster good relations with the DANL membership, Democrats Abroad International, the American expat community at large, the local and international media, the Dutch political and social community. Promote and expand local activities.

Estimated time required: 
In general: about 5 hours per week 
Presidential election year: 10-20 hours per week

Financial commitment: All travel and many incidental expenses are out of pocket.

Recommended experience and qualifications: Experience with organizational leadership, good representation and communications skills, management ability and the ability to create synergy within diverse groups and interests.

Key competences: Articulate, public speaking, visionary, leadership, inclusive, positive, flexible, team player, good social skills

Vice Chair

Democrats Abroad Netherlands’ bylaws state: In the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall call and preside at general membership meetings and meetings of the Executive Committee; and may attend and vote at meetings of committees in the Chair’s absence. The Vice-Chair shall further have such other duties as the Chair shall define and delegate. Additional requirement: The Chair and Vice-Chair shall not be of the same gender.

Purpose: To assist the Chair in identifying, promoting and supporting the goals of Democrats Abroad Netherlands (DANL).

Accountabilities: To stand in for the Chair as and when needed. To organize and attend DANL and third party events.

Dimensions: Represent DANL, communicate its goals, and maintain and foster good relations with the DANL membership, Democrats Abroad International, the American expat community at large, the local and international media, the Dutch political and social community. Promote and expand local activities.

Estimated time required: 
In general: 5-10 hours per week 
Presidential election year: 10-15 hours per week

Financial commitment: All travel and many incidental expenses are out of pocket.

Special challenges: The vice-chair is also expected (but not required) to attend Democrats Abroad International’s annual regional and/or global meetings, at personal expense.

Recommended experience and qualifications: Past and/or current membership in voluntary and/or community organizations. Ability to take initiative as well as follow the Chair’s lead.

Key competences: Articulate, public speaking, visionary, leadership, inclusive, positive, flexible, team player, good social skills

Recommendation: A willingness to speak to the media, the ability to lead and inspire others.

Secretary

Democrats Abroad Netherlands' bylaws state: The Secretary shall maintain a current list of the members of Democrats Abroad Netherlands which shall include a member's name, mail and e-mail addresses, telephone number(s), U.S. voting district/State and other such information as the Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DPCA) requires. The Secretary shall take minutes of all membership and Executive Committee meetings and maintain all files and administrative records of DANL.

Purpose: To maintain a current, valid and complete list of DANL members. To maintain the records of DANL, including minutes of all meetings, files and administrative records.

Accountabilities: Responsible for processing membership requests and verifying the accuracy of DANL membership records; maintenance of all other official records of DANL

Dimensions: Receive, respond to, and/or distribute queries from DANL applicants and members by email/phone/post. The DANL Secretary is also expected to attend DANL events and to represent DANL at third party events such as voter registration drives, fairs, receptions and other means of promoting the organization and its goals.

Time requirement: In general: 1-5 hours per week; 5-10 hours per week during election years.

Recommended experience and qualifications: Working knowledge of (or willingness to learn) web-based databases and CRM (customer relation management) software.

Key competencies: Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, computer-literate, team player, flexible.

Treasurer

Democrats Abroad Netherlands’ bylaws state: The Treasurer shall manage the finances of DANL; prepare periodic financial reports to the membership; and prepare and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law, including without limitation any laws and regulations of the United States and the several States applicable to political parties and contributions to them.

Purpose: To maintain the financial records of Democrats Abroad Netherlands (DANL), and ensure that all appropriate donation records are kept in accordance with the campaign finance rules that pertain to DANL.

Accountabilities: Maintain bank and other accounts, ensure that all finance records on file are kept in such a manner that they are easily retrievable and reviewable. Prepare reports for each Executive Committee meeting (for examination by the Executive Committee) and at the Annual General Meetings (for examination by the membership), in which all information on income and expenses must be reported.

Dimensions: The Treasurer is expected to attend DANL events and to represent DANL at third party events such as voter registration drives, fairs, receptions and other means of promoting the organization and its goals. Promote and expand local activities.

Estimated time required: 
In general: 1 – 8 hours per week 
Presidential election year (and when receivables/payables traffic is higher): more than 8 hours per week

Financial commitment: All travel and many incidental expenses are out of pocket.

Recommended experience and qualifications: Knowledge of the Dutch banking system and online payment systems (such as PayPal), knowledge of campaign finance regulations

Key competences: Organizational and financial skills, team player, good social skills

Counsel

Democrats Abroad Netherlands’ bylaws state: The Counsel shall advise the Executive Committee and its individual officers on legal and procedural questions relating to Democrats Abroad Netherlands and its activities. The Counsel shall consult with the International Counsel from time to time on emergent matters, when needed or requested by the Chair or the Executive Committee

Purpose: Advise on legal issues, e.g. compliance with U.S. Federal Election Law, campaign finance law, etc.

Accountabilities: Any and all legal correspondence, claims, or charges. Legal advice to protect and support the goals of Democrats Abroad Netherlands (DANL)

Dimensions: Primary interaction is within the Executive Committee and with any official institution focused on legal issues or tasks. The Counsel is also expected to attend DANL events and to represent DANL at third party events such as voter registration drives, fairs, receptions and other means of promoting the organization and its goals. Promote and expand local activities.

Time Requirements: 
In general: 1-5 hours per week 
Presidential election year: 5-10 hours per week

Special challenges: Some of the most challenging legal questions arise because the chapter operates outside the United States, and election law places strict limits on dealings with non-U.S. citizens and corporations, particularly with respect to accepting donations.

Financial commitment: All travel and incidental expenses are out of pocket

Recommended experience and qualifications: Legal expertise or training

Key competences: Thorough, responsible, team player

Members-at-Large (x2)

Democrats Abroad Netherlands’ bylaws state: Two Members-at-Large [will be] elected from among the eligible members of the organization. 

Purpose: To act as a sounding board and give input at executive committee (excom) meetings. Support the goals of Democrats Abroad Netherlands (DANL)

Accountabilities: Any tasks mutually agreed upon within the Executive Committee (excom).

Dimensions: Interact with the other board members within the excom as well as foster and maintain good relations within the DANL and American expat community. Promote and expand local activities.

Time Requirements: 
In general: 1 or more hours per week 
Presidential election year: 5-15 hours per week

Financial commitment: All travel and many incidental expenses are out of pocket.

Special challenge: As this position is not defined, members-at-large should be self-motivating and flexible, and be able to recognize, create and execute supportive tasks and roles within DANL.

Key competences: Team-player, open-minded, responsible, good personality 

DPCA Voting Representatives (x4)
Chair and Vice Chair are de facto voting representatives. You can hold any other officer position and be elected a voting representative, too.  

Democrats Abroad Netherlands’ bylaws state: If the size of DANL membership warrants under the DPCA Bylaws, one or more Voting Representatives shall be elected by the DANL membership in order to enable DANL to cast all its votes as a Country Committee under the DPCA in matters pertaining to the DPCA on a one-person-one-vote basis. Gender balance rules shall apply when electing more than one Voting Representative. A Voting Representative has the right to attend and vote at all DPCA meetings in which the DANL Chair and/or Vice-Chair may attend, in accordance to the DPCA Bylaws. 

Purpose: To cast formal votes on behalf of Democrats Abroad Netherlands at meetings of our international governing body, the Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DPCA). Based on the size of our membership in the Netherlands, DANL is allocated 6 votes in global meetings. The Chair and Vice-Chair (ex officio) may each cast one vote. The remaining 4 votes are cast, one per person, by our 4 DPCA voting representatives. 

Accountabilities: To follow and stay informed of the activities of DANL and the DPCA throughout the year and attend global meetings (virtually or in-person). DPCA meetings take place twice a year. Extraordinary DPCA meetings are also possible.

Dimensions: Represent DANL and maintain and foster good relations with the DANL and DPCA memberships.

Estimated time required: 
In general: 1 hour per week 
Presidential election year: 1-2 hours per week

Financial commitment: Any travel expenses for in-person participation in DPCA meetings are out of pocket. (In-person participation is not required.)

Recommended experience and qualifications: Past and/or current membership in voluntary and/or community organizations. Understanding of Democrats Abroad’s mission and operations. 

Key competences: Inclusive, positive, flexible, team player, good social skills

Recommendation: Active participation in the organization of Democrats Abroad Netherlands local activities is key in order to understand our needs and positions on issues arising in global meetings.