What to Do Wednesday
Your Weekly Guide to Staying Politically Active—From Abroad
Wednesday 17 June 2026
Take Action Now
Many Americans abroad depend on vote-by-mail.
The U.S. Postal Service has proposed a new rule, “Ballot Mail for Federal Elections,” that would change how ballot mail is handled under Trump’s recent executive order. Advocates warn it could let the federal government interfere with state‑run mail voting and make it harder for eligible voters to receive and cast mail ballots. Voting rights organizations have warned that the proposal could affect millions of voters who rely on mail ballots, including Americans living overseas.
Here is what you can do today:
1. Request Your Ballot
Go to VoteFromAbroad.org and submit your Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) today.
2. Contact your U.S. Representative and both U.S. Senators
You can find the contact information for your Senators here: U.S. Senate You can find the contact information for your Representatives here: Find Your Representative | house.gov
Suggested script:
“Hello, my name is ________. I am an American citizen living in Italy. I rely on vote-by-mail to participate in U.S. elections. I am concerned about proposals that could interfere with mail ballot delivery or create new barriers for overseas voters. Please oppose any effort that restricts vote-by-mail and protect the voting rights of Americans abroad.”
3. Provide a comment on the proposed USPS rule today.
USPS is accepting public comments on this rule until 5:00 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, July 2, 2026, so now is the time to speak up
Email [email protected] using the subject line “Ballot Mail.” Include your name and address in the email, along with a few sentences explaining why this rule would harm voters in your community. Personalized comments carry the most weight.
Suggested email template:
Subject: Ballot Mail
To whom it may concern,
I am a U.S. citizen voting from abroad and I oppose the proposed “Ballot Mail for Federal Elections” rule. This change would give the federal government new control over how ballot mail is handled, creating additional hurdles and risks for voters who already rely on long international mail routes to receive and return their ballots. Millions of overseas voters, including military and diplomatic families, cannot simply “vote in person” if their ballot is delayed, misrouted, or rejected because of new federal data or barcode requirements. I urge the Postal Service to withdraw this rule and instead focus on delivering all ballot mail quickly and reliably, in partnership with state election officials, so that Americans abroad can continue to participate fully in our democracy.
Sincerely,
[Full name]
[Address]
4. Share VoteFromAbroad.org
Send the link to at least three Americans living abroad today.
Why This Matters
For millions of Americans, including overseas citizens, military voters, seniors, and voters with disabilities, vote-by-mail is not a convenience. It is how they participate in democracy.
Voting rights advocates argue that this proposal could create confusion, delays, and new obstacles for eligible voters. Legal challenges are already underway.
The right to vote should never depend on where you live.
Positive Momentum
Opposition to the proposal is growing.
Civil rights organizations, voting rights advocates, and multiple states have already begun challenging efforts that could interfere with mail voting and state-run election systems.
When Americans speak up, organize, and vote, democracy is stronger.
Our goal is simple:
Every eligible American in Italy should request their ballot now.
Visit VoteFromAbroad.org today.
Then help three other Americans do the same.
“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society.”
— John Lewis
In solidarity,
Leyani Redditi
Chair
Democrats Abroad Italy
Democrats Abroad Italy Events
US Citizen in Abruzzo? Join us for an Aperitivo in Abruzzo! 3 July at 17:00
Let's celebrate America together! Fourth of July BBQ & Lake Party - Celebrate America's 250th!
Global Democrats Abroad Events
Join Democrats Abroad Germany on Saturday, September 26, in Munich for the Annual Democrats Abroad Oktoberfest Extravaganza! Democrats Abroad Oktoberfest 2026
P.S. While you’re taking action on the USPS rule, take one more step for 2026: if you haven’t already, request your ballot now at VoteFromAbroad.org. If you need any help with the form or aren’t sure what to do, click below to send us an email and we’ll walk you through it. And if you’ve already requested your ballot, click the button below and tell us so we can count you toward our goal. Help us get at least 25% of Dems Abroad Italy members ballot‑ready by the end of June!