Expat Americans launch vote drive

[Judi Lynn]

Last Updated: Monday, 19 January, 2004, 20:41 GMT


Expat Americans launch vote drive


By Alix Kroeger
BBC correspondent in Prague



The group was formed out of opposition to the war in Iraq
In Prague, an organisation of expatriate Americans is launching its voter registration drive ahead of the US presidential elections later this year.

The launch comes on the day the Democratic Party holds its Iowa caucus, the first stage in choosing a candidate to run against George W Bush in November.

American Voices Abroad has chapters in 10 capitals, including Paris, Berlin and London.

It developed out of groups opposed to the war in Iraq and opposes many of the policies of the Bush administration.

In all, organisers are hoping to persuade 100,000 expatriates to register to vote.
(snip/...)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3411185.stm

[Flagg]

1. This is great news

people in Europe get the REAL NEWS

hence,Bush is toast

[wysi]

2. I am...

... still registered to vote in Virginia (as I understand it, an American living overseas must be registered in the last state that he/she lived in, but I could be wrong about that - I'd much rather be registered in a state that will be closely contested!). I am going to sign up for this initiative and start a group here in New Zealand, if they are interested.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

3. There has long been a Democrats Abroad group

in Tokyo, at least since the 1970s, which is when I first went there.

[JaySherman]

4. I just signed up.

Thanks for posting this! :hi:

[Kinkistyle]

6. Caucus in Tokyo Feb 8th

Sunday at 2pm, just got my postcard. Gotta rub out and buy the bullet train tix now ;)

[Art_from_Ark]

17. Are you taking the Nozomi?

That can zip you from Kansai to Tokyo in what, 2 1/2 hours? Anyway, have a good trip. Perhaps you'll see me there.

[Turbineguy]

5. I'm in the Philippines

and talked to a Bush supporter this morning. If I see him again, should I tell him????

[veggiemama]

7. I've just signed up here in Eire!

Thanks for this information! Waking up to a Kerry victory in Iowa really got the old blood pumping, and I feel the need to do something--anything--to work towards W's retirement!

If there are any DU's living in Ireland, please feel free to contact me!

[sweetheart]

13. Alba, and i'm voting as well

Democrats abroad in the UK is large.

From across the irish sea,

slan gival (misspelled gallic) :)

[veggiemama]

15. Slainte!

I don't know how anyone manages to spell in Gaelic! It's worse than English!

Just learned there's a Dems Abroad caucus vote in Dublin on Feb. 7th, so I'm already planning to be there. I hope the place is packed!

[clyrc]

8. This expat will certainly be voting!

I don't know of any Democratic clubs where I am, but then there are not many Americans in the United Arab Emirates.

[dutchdemocrat]

9. We have many American members

Some Dems, some Repubs.


Point is, and great one, this article is bound to stir them to vote rather than show apathy as it is 'oh so easy' to do whilst overseas.

[veggiemama]

10. Great link, dutchdemocrat!

Thanks!

[veggiemama]

11. "Democrats Abroad" holding caucuses worldwide . . .

Get involved here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/

[Arugula Latte]

12. Good. Now, if we can only get "them" to count the votes this time

:(

[Polemonium]

14. first time Ex-pats in Australia get to caucus for DA

We're working on becoming an official country committee, and it will be great to caucus. Starting to encourage voters to vote, but they can be hard to find.

[chelaque liberal]

16. Just emailed the article to niece in Berlin

[Paschall]

18. Here's the link, folks

http://www.americanvoicesabroad.net

You'll find reps in a number of countries there. Our local group, Americans Against the War http://www.aawfrance.net is launching the Paris campaign for "100,000 in 2004" tonight.

[sonias]

19. Great news!

We need every American who cares about this country to vote. Expats probably feel the brunt of the anti-American sentiment of the world, so they know we are headed in the wrong direction. We do need to change the commander in chief.

Go Expats go, do it for your country. Vote!

Sonia