Episode 2 of the lively new podcast Tell an American to Vote, is now online. It can be heard directly at https://anchor.fm/demsabroadca, or through Spotify or Google Podcasts.

The podcast is aimed at anyone who can vote from abroad in American elections, and for those who know someone who can. Co-hosts David Schellenberg and Rachel Eugster—chair and vice-chair of the Canada’s Capital Region chapter of Democrats Abroad—hope to reach people, particularly in Canada, who have never exercised the right to vote.

“Everyone in Canada knows an American,” says Schellenberg. “We want to find those people through their friends and motivate them to vote.”

The focus in Episode 2 (recorded January 19) is on encouraging all U.S. citizens outside the country to request their absentee ballots early. “We’re recommending that you do so annually on the Ides of January,” says Eugster. “If you make your request by January 15 through votefromabroad.org, you will get ballots for all elections, primaries, special elections, and recounts in that calendar year.” Adds Schellenberg, “Sometimes, out of the blue, you might get a ballot for an issue like an incremental tax increase to fund a local library.”

“Our Tell An American to Vote podcast is a way to cut through the noise to explain issues of interest to American citizens living outside the U.S.,” says Eugster. “We’re trying to anticipate questions and demystify the process of voting from abroad. In Episode 2, we even included a tip on how being a cat owner might interfere with the process of requesting your ballot.”

Schellenberg and Eugster have an easy chemistry in the studio. Both bring professional skills to bear. In his day job, Schellenberg is a host for a popular morning radio program. A theatre artist (among other things), Eugster is no stranger to voice work. The podcast is polished, engaging, and informative. “I hope so!” laughs Eugster. “We’re aiming for something a little bit wonkish and a whole lot of fun.”