You're receiving this November newsletter a little earlier than usual so we can continue to help you, your loved ones and neighbors before Election Day. This November newsletter brings you the latest voting information, events, and ways to take action when they're most useful. Beginning December 1, we'll move to a new regular schedule: the first Tuesday of each month.
In this issue:
- Voting from France ONLY 7 DAYS UNTIL THE ELECTION
- Upcoming Events After Elections & Thanksgiving
- In Focus Education
- The Lighter Side Fun Stuff
- How to Volunteer and more
FINALLY! On November 5 in Rennes we'll reveal your midterm predictions. Make your election predictions via online form by November 2 at 11:59PM Paris time! Click here for info.
Beginning of Voting from France Information
What You Need to Know
As of this newsletter, NOTHING has changed for UOCAVA (Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act) overseas voters. What has changed is the amount of time we have left. Time is running out to return your ballot.
Only 7 days until the election - There is still time to vote but you MUST ACT NOW!
Here are the most important things to do now.
Still Haven't Requested Your Ballot?
There is still time to receive your ballot in most states, but you must act TODAY. Go to VoteFromAbroad.org to verify your state deadlines and if possible, request and return your ballot today.
Request that your ballot be delivered by email. Overseas voters should submit a new FPCA every calendar year.
Didn't Receive Your Ballot?
Overseas ballots for the November election should have been sent by September 19. If yours has not arrived:
- Check your spam folder.
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Mail in a backup ballot today. Check your state's FWAB eligibility, return methods, and deadlines at VoteFromAbroad.org. States must accept a backup ballot , officially known as the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot, or FWAB. Ideally a FWAB is sent by a different means than the official ballot but for many of us that isn't practical. Only one ballot will be counted. As long as the official ballot is received, the FWAB will be discarded.
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Did you submit a FPCA, Federal Post Card Application, this year to request your ballot? You must request your ballot every year. There is still time to submit your FPCA and receive a 2026 ballot but you must act quickly. Request your ballot be delivered by email using VoteFromAbroad.org. Don't worry about sending two ballots, only one ballot will be counted. As long as the official ballot is received, the FWAB will be discarded.
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Verify that your ballot was received. Most states offer online tools to verify your registration and follow your ballot’s status. You can sign up for tracking notifications when you request your ballot. If you have not yet received a confirmation that your ballot was received and accepted, contact your local election office directly, whether or not you signed up for tracking notifications. Go to VoteFromAbroad.org to find the contact information for your local election office.
ALL Voters: Check Your Status!
Don't just send your ballot—make sure it was received and accepted!
Track your ballot and find your Local Election Official
Having Problems? Have Questions?
Voting from abroad can get complicated, particularly because every state has its own rules. You don't have to figure it out alone.
- Contact the DA France voter-help desk: [email protected]
- Call DA France Hotline 06 44 63 86 83
- Call or text 07 55 53 73 36 (07 555 FRDEM).
- Ask your question using the chatbox — the red circle in the bottom right corner — at VoteFromAbroad.org.
- Get one-on-one live voter help on Zoom, hosted by experienced voter helpers.
- Use the updated How to Vote in U.S. Elections from France guide.
- Contact Brittany Chapter GOTV* Coordinator Martha Le Cars at [email protected].
*GOTV = Get Out The Vote
Postal Situation
Mail is being delivered to the US, no matter what a La Poste agent tells you. Buy an international (purple) stamp, timbre violet, affix it to the envelope and drop your ballot in the mailbox. DemocratsAbroad.org/fr has more information about mailing back your ballot.
Americans living abroad are part of that electorate. Unfortunately, many eligible Americans abroad do not exercise their right to vote. Don't waste yours. Vote today.
How Can You Help?
Already Trained to Phonebank? We Need You!
If you're already trained, please make some calls while there's still time. Reminding our members to request and return their ballots can make a real difference before the deadlines.
Want to know more about how to join the effort? Email us
This is How We're Fighting Back
Vote. Help someone else vote. Volunteer to support voters.
Support the people and organizations doing the work. The system isn't defending itself. People are defending it.
WHY VOTE IN DROVES? 🗳
Winning matters. But margin matters too. A narrow victory gives Democrats power. A large majority gives them room to use it, without having to tiptoe around every special circumstance, illness, death, absence, or wavering member of Congress.
An overwhelming victory sends something else:
An Unmistakable Public Verdict 💙💙💙
AND NO MATTER WHAT THE POLLS SAY - AND THEY DON'T SAY WE'VE WON THE SENATE - POLLS DON'T VOTE. WE AREN'T THERE YET. VOTE AND HELP YOUR FRIENDS VOTE!
End of Voting from France Information
Upcoming Events Details
For the latest details and updates, see our Brittany—Loire—West Upcoming Events page.
🗳️ November 4 | RENNES | Midterm Election Morning
Wednesday 8-10 AM
Location: World Trade Center 🌍 of Rennes at 2 Rue de Brest 35000 Rennes
Eric Beaty informs you of a post-midterm election breakfast and discussion.
Join participants for croissants and coffee.
🗳️ November 5 | NANTES | Midterm Election Gathering
Thursday 6-8 PM
Location: provided after RSVP
So we can save enough space for everyone at the bar, please let us know if you can make it by clicking the sign-up link above. We'll have food and drinks available plus information about what’s next.
For All Americans, dual citizens, and friends of the community who want to share thoughts and support one another. Gather with us during an early evening soon after the election to share perspectives and reconnect as a community. Let's talk about our futures and stay engaged moving forward. Grab a drink, bring your thoughts, and let's support each other as a community. We look forward to seeing you there!
🗳️ November 5 | RENNES | Midterm Election Reflection
Thursday 6-8 PM
Location: Central Rennes - address provided after RSVP
FINALLY! The election predictions will be revealed! 🔮
Join us two days after the election for serious discussion, silly diversions, predictions, prizes, and a little post-election camaraderie. We'll look at the results so far, share our thoughts, and talk about what comes next.
BYOB! We'll provide snacks and a few soft drinks.
Send your election predictions by November 2 at 11:59 PM! Click here for details.
🗳️ November 11 | ANGERS | Take Back Power Happy Hour
Wednesday 7–9 PM
Location: RSVP for exact address
Please join us in Angers for our November post-election happy hour! Don't miss out on this fantastic chance to connect and have fun! We'll recap the election, celebrate our victories and mourn our losses, and talk about what's next for Democrats Abroad Angers. Our free social mixers are on the second Wednesday of the month from 7-9PM. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind after a long day and meet new people! With delicious drinks and food available for purchase, you'll have plenty of chances to mingle with other Americans and make some new friends. We hope to see you there!
🦃 November 28 | RENNES | Thanksgiving Dinner
Saturday 12:30–2:30 PM
Location: To be confirmed — Central Rennes
Save the date!
Join us for our annual American Thanksgiving gathering! Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, good company, and plenty of time to catch up with friends.
We're finalizing arrangements and will share the location, price, and reservation details as soon as they're confirmed.
👉 See full details and updates for all Upcoming Community Events
In Focus — Featured Article
Trump and American Education, Part 3: Trump and the Department of Education
by Gregory Sadlek, Chairperson, Brittany Chapter
The DOE’s Mission Statement describes how its primary goal is to work with the states and local authorities “to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” Certainly a worthy goal. However, under the banner of “returning education to the states,” Republicans since Reagan have wanted to deemphasize or even eliminate the department. The second Trump administration has vigorously pursued the goal of reducing and weakening the department, but this administration’s guiding principles for doing so are darker than the traditional states’ rights approaches.
Kids' Color By Number pages: Voting 🗳 and Thanksgiving 🦃
PLUS
Motivating Music for the 2026 Midterms 🎶
How to Volunteer
There are countless ways to help and every volunteer strengthens our community. If you’d like to help Americans abroad stay engaged, informed, and ready to vote, we invite you to join us. No prior experience is required — we provide training and guidance, and you can contribute in whatever way fits your schedule.
To get involved, e-mail our Chapter Volunteer Coordinator or fill out the DA France Volunteer Form.
For more information about new Brittany—Loire West volunteer opportunities see our Chapter and Subchapter Volunteer Opportunities 👈🏼
Many Thanks to Our Contributors!
This issue was created with the help of volunteers across Brittany and beyond.
👉 See Who Contributed for November and How!
Stay Connected — Social Media
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