The Countdown has begun…and I'm keeping this newsletter simple and to the point.

Early voting has started in 23 states. And, of course, overseas voting opened on September 21st. Portugal has hosted 8 in person ballot assistance events so far - and have four more scheduled. Based on the number of emails and texts I’ve received and social media posts I’ve observed, Democrats in Portugal are voting in high numbers - and super psyched about it. I have attended 3 of the in-person events, and each have become expressions of joy - with voters grateful for help, making new friends, raising a glass of hope. We still have a long way to go… please don’t wait to return your ballot. Think of this as pre-gaming - and make the touchdown that much sweeter on the other side.

If you can’t make one of the remaining in-person ballot return or voter registration events, please reach out to me as soon as possible.

Lisbon - Oct 4

Cascais - Oct 8

Caldas da Rainha - Oct 11

Porto - Oct 11

RSVP Links are in our linktree: https://linktr.ee/demsabroadportugal

Ignore the polls - they are distracting. Ignore annoying takes by legacy media - they need a horserace. The VP debate is in the can - it didn’t move the needle, as with most VP debates. Just focus on one thing: when we vote, we win.

We have trained volunteers throughout the country. In addition, we are mobilizing on a global level to help American citizens to vote. Vote from Abroad is holding daily live zoom the vote sessions to assist any voter, regardless of your affiliation. Find one in your time zone: https://www.votefromabroad.org/voter-support/

What else can you do? You can join our phonebank team and call DA members around the world - voters are super grateful for the help and the reminder! These calls will continue until Election Day. We have about one month till the election. Don’t take your foot off the gas. When we vote, we win.

And finally, there is still time to register in every state - but time is running out. If you have a friend or family member who has been “sitting this one out” for some godless reason, convince them it’s their civic privilege as an American. Send them to votefromabroad.org or to me. I would be overjoyed to personally register every democrat in Portugal.

Remember: when we vote, we win. We have to win - there’s really no plan B.

Each month, I like to provide links to important articles and podcasts. Recently, I have focused attention on Project 2025 as a way of informing and raising the alarm. Voters seem to have a widespread awareness - so I'm pivoting to the dangers of Christian Nationalism (not separate and apart from Project 2025 btw). This info is apparently triggering for a lot of people, but I encourage you to get informed in these final weeks. Extreme Christian Nationalists have been playing the long game, they have successfully stacked the judiciary and understand this is their moment. I'm not going to say more.

ProPublica - Inside Ziklag, the Secret Organization of Wealthy Christians Trying to Sway the Election and change the country

ProPubilca - A Pair of Billionaire Preachers Built the Most Powerful Political Machine in Texas. That's Just the Start

CBS: Evangelical leader Lance Wallnau 

NPR: Charismatic Christian Leaders 

The Nation: The Trump Revival

Rolling Stone: False Idol: Why the Christian Right Worships Donald Trump

Podcast: The Take Out: God Only Knows 

Chris Hayes: Confronting Christian Nationalism 

Thanks everyone - we can do this.

Democratically yours,

Sally DeSipio

Chair, DAPT