What can I Do?
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Connect with Your Local Country or Chapter teams to see what they have planned.
https://www.democratsabroad.org/countries
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Contact all of Your Peeps and don’t be afraid to ask if they’re registered, have requested their ballot, have sent it in. Provide VFA info to those who live abroad and ask those who aren’t to get in touch with others they may know living abroad (excluding you, of course).This is important in “battleground” states as well as states that are “reliably blue”, for the reasons stated previously.
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Let people know about live voter assistance - It is wildly popular!
https://www.votefromabroad.org/voter-support/
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Get Trained
For phone banking:
https://www.democratsabroad.org/phonebanking_training
For voter assistance:
www.democratsabroad.org/voter_assistance_training
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Identify Local hangouts for Americans - See if there is a bulletin board where (with permission) you can post Vote From Abroad info. Or you can always just become one of those Americans who hangs out there. If you belong to other groups, perhaps you can find some potential voters in the mix.
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Find out about and join in some “tabling” - check your chapter/country sites Bring a chair and help ensure there are no barriers for people with disabilities. Then enjoy a nice day chatting and helping and making history. Send a photo or two, if you would be so kind. To [email protected]
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Do some easy, membership phone banking The vast number of people called are really grateful for the call and shower callers with appreciation for the reminder and for helping. And the calling process keeps getting easier. You can call from the comfort of your own home. Invite friends to help make calls and compare notes. Let us know if you hear about any experiences, questions or issues raised by folks with disabilities. Here are upcoming calling campaigns for those of you who’ve already done the training:
https://democratsabroad.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/GOTV/pages/7527989250/2024+GOTV+MASTER+CALENDAR+with+Global+CallHub+Campaigns
- Watch for, like, comment on, and share DA social media It’s not necessary to understand algorithms, just know it helps spread the word. You can also make comments on other posts which may attract Americans and mention www.votefromabroad.org (and the need for immediate action!)
- Fight voter suppression Voter suppression is real and may be seen in changes to polling locations, limitations on how, when, or where you can vote, inaccessible polling facilities and even removing voters from lists, up to a million at a time. It’s one of the biggest reasons you need to stand up for yourself, and others, when anyone attempts to steal away your right to vote.
- Lend a hand to someone who needs help (be alert for those who do). If you sign up for voter assistance training on intercom, let the other volunteers know if you are available to help with issues specific to disability barriers to voting. Be sure to ask questions about this during your training.
Vote You Entire Ballot and Explain Why to Others
There are situations where citizens abroad are not allowed to vote except for President and Vice President (which is permitted in every state).. Typically this is either because you have indicated that you will not be returning to the state or because the State does not allow it (check www.VoteFromAbroad.org if you aren’t sure). But, if you are lucky enough to be able to, you need to vote on every candidate and issue as we cannot afford to leave any paths open for Republicans to block forward progress, Every darn one. Let’s demonstrate that Democrats are here to play!
Here is one place you can go to see some progressive endorsements on candidates where you vote. Blue Voter Guide: Vote Fast, Smart, and Blue There are many more, from your state’s Democratic party to leading advocacy organizations you trust. (these could be different from topic to topic).
It’s never too soon to plan how you vote, since, of course, you are already registered and have requested your ballot! Right?
Oh, remember - an Independent doesn’t always mean near-Democrat. More research is always recommended.
Note It is SO important to do a little research before you vote. Misdirection is a frequent technique for regressive ballot measures.. .
Know Your Rights
Living abroad, the best place to obtain information and support is www.VoteFromAbroad.org
For more information on the law, your rights, and resources, specifically relating to people with disabilities:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JFo4htqai8reKwgdr4zw7q3D18iiFGjEitH0n7i-S2Q/edit?usp=sharing