The night after election day, as Chair of DemsAbroad Canada, I spoke with Marella Fernandez of CTV News on the variety of creative and legacy-type initiatives DemsAbroad Canada undertook to reach the est. 625k Americans living across Canada eligible to vote in the 2020 election to cast their ballot.

Through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers contributing thousands of hours of their time, resulting in a greater than 250% increase in DemsAbroad Canada members' ballot requests, my prediction is that the 2020 vote from Americans in Canada will double the 2016 results. I am immensely proud of every person who contributed to this success!

I also talk to the need to count every vote, to let the process work the way it's supposed to. Each person has a right to have their vote counted. It was well known in advance that it was improbable to have an outcome on election night due to the historic millions of mail-in ballots to be counted. Neither candidate nor the media declares the election winner. The winner is determined by the declared results from each of the 50 states.

We wrap up the conversation with concerns for what the next two months could be like should Joe Biden be declared the winner as expected and any comparison between the 2000 election and 2020. For reference, the Ex is Ontario's "state fair" held in Toronto for the last two weeks of August.

Scroll down and click on the dates below to RSVP and get connection details and reminders.

Did you know every eligible American living abroad can vote in U.S. elections? 

Was the last place you or your parent lived in the US the state of Georgia?

If you are 18 on or before January 5th you are allowed to vote in the runoff election. 

Do you have questions about how to vote? Click the chat bubble at the bottom of this screen and we can help you find the answers. 

But we get it. Sometimes you just want to speak to live person. 

Join us Tuesday & Thursday (noon-4pm January 5th & 7th. All time are listed as U.S. Eastern time. Our volunteers and standing by LIVE on Zoom to help answers questions you have about voting from abroad and curing your ballot.

How is it done on Zoom? You'll come into the main room and be paired 1:1 with a volunteer into a breakout room to ensure privacy and that you can get all your questions answered. It couldn't be easier. 

More information: The easiest way to request your ballot is at VoteFromAbroad.org. It takes just a few minutes to complete and send in your form to the US state where you last lived. The website will guide you step by step. In most cases it’s pretty simple. But if you’re new to voting abroad, or if you haven’t done it in a while, you may have additional questions. That’s why we’ll be here every Sunday until election day to help.

If you can’t make the 'office hours', you can always email us at [email protected] or send in your question through our online help bubble, and a volunteer will get back to you.

Here is a handy website to convert the time zone to yours wherever you are in the world.

Zoom Connection Details:

Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/91090344003
Meeting number: 910 9034 4003
PassWord: Vote2020

Tuesday & Thursday: Noon-4pm (U.S. Eastern)
January 5th and 7th

Please join us to welcome the 2019-2021 National Capital Region Chapter Board of Democrats Abroad Canada to be acclaimed if officer positions remain uncontested:

Candidate for Chapter Chair and Member at Large/English Media Contact: David Schellenberg
Chapter Chair 2017-2019 | DPCA Voting Representative for Democrats Abroad Canada | Together we win! | https://twitter.com/DSchellenberg | Votes in Iowa.

Candidate for Chapter Vice-Chair: Rachel Eugster 
Born in Washington, D.C., Rachel Eugster has lived in and voted from Baltimore, Maryland; Sperryville, Virginia; and (currently) Boston, Massachusetts.  A resident of Ottawa for the past 20+ years and a naturalized Canadian citizen, Rachel has not yet lived in Canada for as long as she lived in the U.S.  Rachel has been an active member of Democrats Abroad since early 2008, and previously served as an ExCom advisory member for the National Capital Chapter.  Having been elected as a DPCA Voting Representative for DA Canada this past March, Rachel participated in her first Democrats Abroad Global Meeting in Washington, D.C., in May 2019.  Prior to that, she and her husband drove across the border into upstate New York in November 2018, and spent a few days leading up to the U.S. midterms helping to get out the vote for Anthony Brindisi in his ultimately successful quest to turn a red seat blue (NY-22).  Rachel is active as a volunteer and in local Canadian politics, while maintaining a very busy “patchwork” career as a performer, director, writer, and editor. | http://RachelEugster.com | Votes in Massachusetts. 

Candidate for Chapter Secretary: John Klenk
Chapter Secretary 2017-2019 | John Klenk feels he can provide assistance based on his professional work experience, specifically leading seminars and training sessions in the past. John was born and raised in Southeastern Pennsylvania, came to Canada to attend the University of Ottawa and have called Ottawa home for 11 years. John is proud to be American born and raised, and feels strongly about his right to remain politically active no matter where he may live in the world. | Votes in Pennsylvania.

The Chapter NEC did not receive any nominations for the following Chapter Officers: Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator and Member at Large/French Media Contact.

Additional Chapter Board positions remain open [click here for job descriptions]. You will have an opportunity to make floor nominations for all officer positions and vote in person!

DATE: Wednesday, June 26, 2019

TIME: 7:30 PM for Chapter AGM

TIME: 9:00 PM for Night One of Presidential Primary Debate Viewing

PLACE: The Heart & Crown in the Byward Market, in The Black Rose room, 67 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5.

LET’S TAKE ACTION AND GET INVOLVED!

Democratically Yours,
Lissette Wright, NEC Chair
Larry Rousseau, NEC Teller of Elections
National Capital Region Chapter of Democrats Abroad Canada
Nominations & Elections Committee

P.S.  Know anyone else that would like to volunteer for Democrats Abroad in the Ottawa area?  Invite them to this meeting!

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
National Capital Region Chapter of Democrats Abroad Canada
2019-2021 Chapter Board

Please join us for the Chapter AGM and Elections of Democrats Abroad in the National Capital Region [Ottawa/Gatineau]. We need YOU to consider becoming part of our Chapter Executive Committee to WIN in 2020. Join us to elect new Chapter leadership to guide us to a Democratic Presidential election victory!

Click here for more information about the Chapter Board Candidates to be acclaimed if officer positions remain uncontested! 

Nominations from the floor will be accepted for candidates to stand for election in-person at our Chapter AGM and Elections. Please see job descriptions for Chapter Officers below!

Click here to RSVP for the Annual General Meeting of Democrats Abroad Canada - National Capital Region Chapter and NIGHT ONE - June 26 Debate Viewing in Ottawa.

National Capital Region Chapter AGM & Elections to be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 7:30PM EST. Following the AGM, all those present are welcome to join us to watch the NIGHT ONE of the first Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential election.

On Thursday, June 27, 2019 at 7:30PM EST, please join us again on NIGHT TWO of the first of the first Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential election. Click here for details about the June 27 Debate Viewing!

Location: The Heart & Crown in the Byward Market, in The Black Rose room of The Irish Village, 67 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5.

JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR CHAPTER OFFICERS

Chapter Chair: The Chapter Chair shall be the legal representative of DAC-NCR and the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter, and shall preside at all General Meetings and all meetings of the Board. The Chapter Chair shall have Membership responsibility for the day-to-day activities of DAC-NCR and for execution of all activities approved and undertaken by the Board. The Chapter Chair may appoint such ad hoc committees as necessary for the execution of the activities of DAC-Chapter. The Chapter Chair shall serve as Media Contact. The Chapter Chair shall be a member of and attend meetings of Democrats Abroad Canada.

Vice-Chair: In the absence of the Chapter Chair, the Vice-Chair shall call and preside at meetings of members and of the Executive Committee. The Vice-Chair shall have such other duties as chairing one or more committees, depending on the Vice-Chair's experience and preferences. The Vice-Chair shall work with the Chair to ensure all responsibilities approved by and on behalf of the organization are supervised and executed appropriately. The Vice-Chair elected shall be a member who is of the opposite gender to the Chair, as per the by-laws of Democrats Abroad and the rules of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

Secretary: The Secretary shall attend and produce minutes for all Board meetings, maintain all files and administrative records of the organization, and maintain a current list of members of DAC-NCR Board.  All of such records shall be open for inspection by members. Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Executive Committee once approved by the Chapter Chair and/or Vice-Chair. The Secretary shall schedule and coordinate on-line participation for all Board and Committee meetings.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall manage the finances of the organization, maintain its financial reports to members and make and maintain such financial reports as may be required by law (including without limitation the laws and regulations of the United States and the several States applicable to political parties and contributions to them). All such records shall be open for inspection by members. The Treasurer shall prepare and present to the Annual General Meeting of DAC-NCR a Statement of Income and Expenses based on a fiscal year ending March 31 and a Balance Sheet as of March 31.

Membership Secretary: The Membership Secretary maintains the DAC-NCR membership database by processing new members, responding in a timely manner to member requests for changes, and uses best practices to ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and accuracy. The Membership Secretary works with the Volunteer Coordinator to identify “target groups.” In coordination with the DA IT Manager, the Membership Secretary participates in the annual DA membership verification process. The Membership Secretary provides statistical information to the DAC-NCR Board as required.

Volunteer Coordinator: The Volunteer Coordinator will be responsible for the following: [1] Draft internal membership communications (e.g. monthly newsletters) and coordinate with Chair, and Vice-Chair, [2] Initiate and coordinate trainings for volunteers, [3] Coordinate membership drives, including incentives for becoming a member, [4] Develop a list of “Volunteer Do’s and Don’ts” for Info-stands, Events, etc., [5] Develop recruitment strategies and incentives for volunteers, [6] Work with membership database, identify “target groups” (working with Membership Secretary).

Member at Large/English Media Contact: Members at Large represent the broader membership and bring to the organization special gifts and talents, which complement those of the other elected officials on the Board. The Member at Large/English Media Contact will be responsible for the following: [1] Should demonstrate verifiable experience and/or training in the fields of Media, Press and/or PR, [2] Act as liaison between DAC-NCR and international press officer, [3] Coordinate and work with Member at Large/French Media Contact [4] Maintain national contact database for journalists / press contacts (googledoc), [5] Record and archive all press generated on DAC (TV, radio, print) (in cooperation with other DA Canada media contacts)

Member at Large/French Media Contact: Members at Large represent the broader membership and bring to the organization special gifts and talents, which complement those of the other elected officials on the Board. The Member at Large/English Media Contact will be responsible for the following: [1] Should demonstrate verifiable experience and/or training in the fields of Media, Press and/or PR, [2] Act as liaison between DAC-NCR and international press officer, [3] Coordinate and work with Member at Large/English Media Contact [4] Write and organize translation (by one of our volunteer translators) of relevant press releases & press-release templates (those not provided by int’l. press officer), [5] Maintain national contact database for journalists / press contacts (googledoc), [6] Record and archive all press generated on DAC (TV, radio, print) (in cooperation with other DA Canada media contacts).

At present, DA Canada - National Capital Region Chapter Officers are:
Chapter Chair – David Schellenberg*
Vice-Chair – Lissette Wright
Chapter Treasurer – Andrew Watson
Chapter Secretary – John Klenk*
Chapter Membership Secretary - James Kehoe
[*] Asterisks indicate officers who are in their first term, are eligible to run and will run for reelection!

LET’S TAKE ACTION AND GET INVOLVED!

Democratically Yours,
Lissette Wright, NEC Chair
Larry Rousseau, NEC Teller of Elections
National Capital Region Chapter of Democrats Abroad Canada
Nominations & Elections Committee

New Board Elected on March 23, 2019 - Hamilton-Burlington-Niagara Chapter

There is new leadership in place for the Hamilton-Burlington-Niagara Chapter, elected at the Annual General Meeting on March 23d.

This Board includes four new members and four returning members:

Chair
David Mivasair

Vice-Chair
Judith Wanner

Secretary
Debra Krar

Treasurer
Constance Jain

Membership Secretary
Paula Cimba

Members-at-Large
Ron Barrett
Susan Hill
Tracy Hudson

The entire board expresses great thanks to Ken Sherman who will stay involved as Past Chair.  Ken founded our chapter some fifteen years ago and has served as chair until now in addition to his Canada-wide and global roles.  Ken has been instrumental to the growth of the chapter over the years.

Respectfully submitted from the Nominations and Elections Committee: Susan Alksnis (Chair) and Tim Flannery (Teller).

Announcing Candidates for Election to the Hamilton-Burlington-Niagara Chapter Board – 2019-2021

Thank you to these volunteers who have stepped up to help lead our Chapter!

All positions are uncontested, so we are not sending digital ballots. All voting will be in-person.

Candidates for election are listed below with their candidate statements. 

Please join us at the Chapter AGM, Saturday, March 23^rd 11:00am with Panel and Lunch to follow. George Hamilton Restaurant, 152 King St. West (at Bay), Hamilton, Ontario.  Click here for AGM details and rsvp.

For the open position of Membership Secretary, nominations can be taken from the floor at the Annual General Meeting, Saturday, March 23rd. See the Membership Secretary position description here.

For reference, the nomination call was emailed to all eligible Chapter members and posted here.  The Chapter Nominations and Elections Committee is comprised of: Susan Alksnis (Chair) and Tim Flannery (Teller). Questions can be directed to Susan by email.

Candidates

Chapter Chair

David Mivasair

I am active in Democrats Abroad to bring positive change to U.S. politics.  I have been active in Vancouver and now Hamilton. I was on the Vancouver exec committee and now with Hamilton’s exec. I was in Japan for the 1980 election and was an alternate to the Dem National Convention. In Vancouver in 2008, I registered over 300 U.S. citizens to vote.

I know non-profits. For four years, I was the exec director of a political change organization in Washington, DC.  For 25 years, I was a rabbi in several synagogues. Now retired, I have time and energy for Dems Abroad.

I am focused on electoral success in 2020.  I want to reach out to the thousands of U.S. citizens in our area to register and vote.  I have organized successful voter registration at a speech by Hillary Clinton as well as the Women's March, Folk Festival, Pride Parade and more. During the mid-term, I organized nearly 40 Dems Abroad Canada to volunteer in swing districts in the U.S.  As the Communications Officer for Dems Abroad Canada, I helped raise our profile with stories in nearly all the mainstream media in Canada. I will continue to reach out to hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens in Canada.  I can also support our chapter as Chair along with the other members of the board to help the chapter grow. 

It is important to listen to any concerns that members bring forward.  I welcome members and interested not-yet-members to contact me at any time.

Chapter Vice-Chair    

Judith Wanner           

I have been involved with the Hamilton DA chapter for several years, most recently as Vice Chair. I have attended, supported and helped organize the Chapter's varied activities including the annual tax seminar, the summer picnic, and local Get Out the Vote efforts. I look forward to continuing to work with our Hamilton group as we move toward the 2020 election. I vote in Minnesota.

Chapter Secretary     

Debra Krar     

Please accept this self-nomination for the role of Secretary.  As a dual American/Canadian citizen residing in Canada for the past 23 years and in the USA for the preceding 18 years, I want to support the Democratic party during this chaotic US political climate.   I originally became involved to exercise my right to vote in the US elections and attended a DA sponsored tax seminar to better understand my challenging tax compliance requirements as a dual US/Canadian citizen. As I participated in the Labour Day parade, Locke Street festival and SuperCrawl to raise awareness, I also came to understand how the DA organization is structured internationally.  Last year I worked on the Toronto based GOTV campaign so learned more about the internal operations of the organization, its goals and special projects to make a difference in advancing the Democratic party’s objectives during the mid-term elections. The people I have met are wonderful and the information disseminated is greatly appreciated.  I feel that my skills as a certified project manager and management consultant can continue to be leveraged to support the chapter.

Chapter Treasurer     

Constance Jain           

Instead of throwing marshmallows at the TV I decided to contact other Democrats and do as much as I could to support the Democratic party.  In my role as Treasurer of Democrats Abroad Hamilton-Burlington I feel I am doing my part to encourage US citizens to vote and hopefully, elect more Democrats to serve in public office. It is my desire to continue in this office.

Chapter Membership Secretary

Open – nominations can be made from the floor during the Chapter Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 23rd.

Chapter Member-at-Large

(alphabetically by last name)

Ron Barrett    

I am 69 Years old, from Chicago and immigrated to Canada with my wife as NAFTA investors in 2010 when we bought a transportation company in Milton, ON. I have a BS in Industrial Technology from Southern Illinois University. Most of my career has been as a senior manager, operation and sales, in technology related industries. I have been involved throughout much of my life in a variety of community and civic activities such as; City Council in Harvard, Illinois, officer positions in the Jaycees, Rotary, Wicker Park-Bucktown Chamber of Commerce, and Wicker Park Committee (a neighborhood association), active in several Chicago city council campaigns as well as two congressional campaigns and upon moving to Canada we were active in supporting our local councillor, now mayor of Burlington. I view Trump as a threat to the United States and the world. I’m concerned about income inequality, climate change, and ignorance over critical thought. I value history, civics, the arts, community and civility over what's the shortest path to making a buck or “screw you I've got mine”. I am disturbed by most of the current political class who mostly appear to put self above society.

Susan Hill       

I was born and raised in the Detroit area and attended Eastern Michigan University where I earned both BBA and MBA degrees.  In 1987, I moved to Chicago where I lived until we moved to Canada in June 2010 when my husband and I acquired a courier business in Milton through the NAFTA investor program.  I am a dual citizen and vote in US elections from Illinois.  I live in Hamilton with my husband, dog and three cats.  My corporate business career spanned over 25 years in the telecommunications industry where I held executive management positions leading large sales organizations across the US and Canada.  Since the acquisition of our business here in Canada, I am responsible for managing all financial activity as well as website development, marketing, and IT.  On a community level, I served on the board of the Wicker Park Committee (neighbourhood organization), was a founding member of the Wicker Park Garden Club, and served as a Trustee and member of the Stewardship Committee at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago.  Here in Canada, I participate on the stewardship committee and the planning committee for the annual fund raising events for Port Nelson United Church in Burlington. 

I have always followed politics and have voted in every election since I became eligible to vote.  I believe under the current administration, our voting rights are at risk.  Voter suppression is one key issue that I believe needs significant attention from lawmakers.  My other key issues are universal healthcare, climate change, gun control, corporate "ownership" of our elected members of congress, and the threat to women's reproductive freedom.  I am encouraged by the recent mid-term elections and hopeful the pendulum will swing back toward sanity and bi-partisanship.  I long for politicians who can develop and enact legislation that serves the people, not the corporations and top one percent.  

Tracy Hudson

I have been volunteering for Democrats Abroad for eight years, helping Democrats Abroad Canada coordinate its social media. I served on the Hamilton/Burlington/Niagara chapter last term as IT Manager. I’m looking forward to helping the chapter with its communications.