For Americans living abroad, please read this note from Laura Mosedale:
Dear Robert
A Time reporter came to the Democrats Abroad UK campaign office in London this week and covered what our committed group of volunteers is doing. Could you please publicize this in your newsletter and remind all of your readers who live outside the US or know people who do: our votes matter and our votes are counted! And it’s not too late for many of us to vote.
Key states (including AZ, NC) allow voters outside the country to request their ballots by email up until Election Day and thirty states allow for some form of electronic ballot return (fax, email, online upload). Many states that require ballots to be returned by postal mail have extended deadlines to receive them. Voters outside the country can also use an emergency backup ballot to vote if they requested but have not received their ballots. All information on ballot request, state deadlines and more on votefromabroad.org
My first thought usually is “don’t ‘THEY’ have Grandchildren????!!!” (How could THEY not do everything in their power to combat Climate Catastrophe/prevent War ++++).
My first GranBaby arrives in March and my daughter shared today “It’s A Girl” 🥰
ROCK THE VOTE cuz our Kids/Grands futures depend on it 🇺🇸
Robert, you (along with Dan, Heather, Jessica, and all those groups you all link us to) have built a MIGHTY force, and we will indeed "leave nothing on the field" on November 8. One important thing that the last five years have taught us is that Democracy requires constant work - - we have seen what happens if we don't stay vigilant. We'll remember that, no matter what happens next week.
I read a hopeful article on the possible undercount of Gen. Z (the under 25-year-olds). The group's registration for this election went up from a bare minimum some years ago to just over 30% in 2022. Not surprisingly, after the Dobbs decision, there was a surge of young women, who are frightened that a pregnancy with medical problems could cost them their health..
Pollsters, however, have been hesitant to include them because many are college kids who have address problems (dorms may not have a room number) or who may be registered at their home address and have to travel and miss classes on election day, which falls during the school term. Also, they are generally less reliable than their grandparents, who show up at the polls like Old Faithful.
Still, in a close election, they could make a big difference. Fingers crossed.
I am cautiously hopeful. As a practicing Jew, I light Shabbat candles every Friday night. My prayers have been my normal ones to “Hashem”, however I have added a prayer every week for DEMOCRACY to prevail in our great country. So much damage has been done by the GOP. They are unrecognizable. They have become a party of hate and violence and seem to revel in it!
G-D help us all if they gain control. We will need it!
Robert, thank you for mentioning Americans living abroad and how their votes can help. I belong to the Democrats Abroad Chapter here in Queensland, Australia, that has been working hard to get out the vote among US citizens working and living here.
There are Dems Abroad chapters in countries all over the world and many politicians in the US overlook this pool of potential voters. There are some 9 million Americans currently living abroad and many of us vote.
I so appreciate the wisdom and calm that you bring every morning. Democracy, Truth, Social Justice and Building Community is a daily task, built brick by brick, and you remind us of this.
Last night PBS broadcast a concert of the New York Philharmonic opening the new Geffen Concert Hall in Lincoln Center, featuring Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. A friend had suggested I listen when we had lunch. Oh, my -- that chunk of inspiration is such a glorious reminder that art, hope, and aspiration are what we really crave. It was a fantastic performance by all -- including women instrumentalists allowed to wear any color, not just black, and a quartet of interracial singers who amplified by their presence the rainbow of performers in the orchestra and chorus -- Asian, African-American, blondes and brunettes, almost all ages, playing TOGETHER in this glorious cascade of sound. The libretto -- the Ode to Joy -- is rightly counted among the glories of the Enlightenment. I am certain it will be re-broadcast and find its way to You Tube -- do listen, wherever you live, let it fill your lungs and heart with hope. As I head off to Western Pennsylvania tomorrow to help staff the call in center for voter protection -- non-PA residents are not allowed to be in-person poll watchers -- I will keep some of the fragments of those sounds playing in my head: all men will be brothers. Exactly. My best to all of us, the expats abroad, the door bell pushers and phone callers and post card writers and check senders and poll workers. Whatever Tuesday (more likely Wednesday because of the mail ballots) brings, it is a way station on a long journey to perfect the ideals to which we are committed. God bless the United States of America.
Here's a very encouraging link to an interview on a Meidas Touch podcast of Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic policy strategist, with compelling evidence supporting my hunch for some time that there is going to be a surprising blue wave next Tuesday.
Rosenberg says there has been a very unusual proliferation of Republican-leaning polls in the last many weeks by new, inexperienced pollsters. He says that red narrative started last spring and has been perpetuated by the media to support pollsters' and pundits' early and incorrect predictions. His evidence of a consistent, sustaining uptick of Democratic support nationwide is based on analysis of early voting data. He claims Democratic turnout is ahead by several digits, compared to last time, even in battleground red states, and among young voters, who could make the difference. He claims exit polls by the New York Times and others in the last few days correlate with his data. His advice in the next few days is to be positive and actively get out the vote.
While I put little stock in exit polls, his early voting data sounds convincing. I fervently hope he is right!
Overseas voter: If you emailed your Absentee Ballot request (FPCA) to your election clerk and still haven't received it, check your Inbox/Spam folders again. If it hasn't come, complete the Federal Write in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Instructions/download here:
Print it out and sign it. Send it back with the signed oath and include signed FPCA. For voters who need 2 envelopes, read your state's instructions re the main envelope and the security envelope (at votefromabroad.org or fvap.org).
I am an Evangelical Christian and a lifelong Republican. I never voted for a Democrat in my life until 2020 (Biden). I voted third party in 2016. I knew from the beginning that Trump would destroy the former Republican party and turn it into the Trumplican party. But my biggest concern is that the Trumplican party base is Evangelical Christians who will vote for Trump for one reason only - he has an R next to his name. They are reliably "red" and there is no way to convince them that their vote for Trump is a vote for an evil dictator. Their standard line is "the Democrat is so much worse." It is very frustrating to be an active member of a large church where most of the members think Trump walks on water.
I commented yesterday that, while I believe "we will win" in the end, I have increasing fears that it will be far more long term that I would hope. I also appreciate you citing Rachel Maddow's Ultra podcast. That combined with watching Ken Burns' "The U.S. and the Holocaust" 3-part documentary, are intensely eye-opening. I encourage all readers (actually EVERY AMERICAN) to listen and watch these two powerful programs. They provide important historical perspective and may also offer hope that we can, once again, come out from under dark threats to our democracy.
Robert, I'm so grateful for all your efforts to connect people who truly understand the peril democracy is in and to link arms in the battle to save it. I'm especially happy to read the comment you pinned from Laura Rosedale with the link to votefromabroad.org. I convinced my brother, who had left the US in the Viet Nam era and now resides in Medellin, Colombia and never voted in all this time, that his vote was badly needed in 2020. This election I had no convincing to do. He made sure he had his ballot in plenty of time but since there is no mail system in Colombia had to pay $20 to DHL to deliver it to Florida. I'll be investigating for him how to circumvent that "poll tax" in the coming weeks! My daughter who lives and works in Nova Scotia has been assisting expats there in navigating their unique voting situations as every state has different rules. Thanks to you and your followers for everything you do!
One thing to take into consideration regarding polls. I heard last night on MSNBC that few people actually participate in polls-< 2%. IMHO, most likely people are screening/reading caller ID's and not picking up.
For Americans living abroad, please read this note from Laura Mosedale:
Dear Robert
A Time reporter came to the Democrats Abroad UK campaign office in London this week and covered what our committed group of volunteers is doing. Could you please publicize this in your newsletter and remind all of your readers who live outside the US or know people who do: our votes matter and our votes are counted! And it’s not too late for many of us to vote.
Key states (including AZ, NC) allow voters outside the country to request their ballots by email up until Election Day and thirty states allow for some form of electronic ballot return (fax, email, online upload). Many states that require ballots to be returned by postal mail have extended deadlines to receive them. Voters outside the country can also use an emergency backup ballot to vote if they requested but have not received their ballots. All information on ballot request, state deadlines and more on votefromabroad.org
Please help us spread the word!
Thanks
Laura Mosedale
Thank you Democracy Warrior Hubbells!!
My first thought usually is “don’t ‘THEY’ have Grandchildren????!!!” (How could THEY not do everything in their power to combat Climate Catastrophe/prevent War ++++).
My first GranBaby arrives in March and my daughter shared today “It’s A Girl” 🥰
ROCK THE VOTE cuz our Kids/Grands futures depend on it 🇺🇸
Robert, you (along with Dan, Heather, Jessica, and all those groups you all link us to) have built a MIGHTY force, and we will indeed "leave nothing on the field" on November 8. One important thing that the last five years have taught us is that Democracy requires constant work - - we have seen what happens if we don't stay vigilant. We'll remember that, no matter what happens next week.
Another vote for Ultra. I thought I was really knowledgeable on this period, but there turns out to be a lot I didn't know.
Sara Sheldon
I read a hopeful article on the possible undercount of Gen. Z (the under 25-year-olds). The group's registration for this election went up from a bare minimum some years ago to just over 30% in 2022. Not surprisingly, after the Dobbs decision, there was a surge of young women, who are frightened that a pregnancy with medical problems could cost them their health..
Pollsters, however, have been hesitant to include them because many are college kids who have address problems (dorms may not have a room number) or who may be registered at their home address and have to travel and miss classes on election day, which falls during the school term. Also, they are generally less reliable than their grandparents, who show up at the polls like Old Faithful.
Still, in a close election, they could make a big difference. Fingers crossed.
I am cautiously hopeful. As a practicing Jew, I light Shabbat candles every Friday night. My prayers have been my normal ones to “Hashem”, however I have added a prayer every week for DEMOCRACY to prevail in our great country. So much damage has been done by the GOP. They are unrecognizable. They have become a party of hate and violence and seem to revel in it!
G-D help us all if they gain control. We will need it!
Robert, thank you for mentioning Americans living abroad and how their votes can help. I belong to the Democrats Abroad Chapter here in Queensland, Australia, that has been working hard to get out the vote among US citizens working and living here.
There are Dems Abroad chapters in countries all over the world and many politicians in the US overlook this pool of potential voters. There are some 9 million Americans currently living abroad and many of us vote.
I so appreciate the wisdom and calm that you bring every morning. Democracy, Truth, Social Justice and Building Community is a daily task, built brick by brick, and you remind us of this.
Last night PBS broadcast a concert of the New York Philharmonic opening the new Geffen Concert Hall in Lincoln Center, featuring Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. A friend had suggested I listen when we had lunch. Oh, my -- that chunk of inspiration is such a glorious reminder that art, hope, and aspiration are what we really crave. It was a fantastic performance by all -- including women instrumentalists allowed to wear any color, not just black, and a quartet of interracial singers who amplified by their presence the rainbow of performers in the orchestra and chorus -- Asian, African-American, blondes and brunettes, almost all ages, playing TOGETHER in this glorious cascade of sound. The libretto -- the Ode to Joy -- is rightly counted among the glories of the Enlightenment. I am certain it will be re-broadcast and find its way to You Tube -- do listen, wherever you live, let it fill your lungs and heart with hope. As I head off to Western Pennsylvania tomorrow to help staff the call in center for voter protection -- non-PA residents are not allowed to be in-person poll watchers -- I will keep some of the fragments of those sounds playing in my head: all men will be brothers. Exactly. My best to all of us, the expats abroad, the door bell pushers and phone callers and post card writers and check senders and poll workers. Whatever Tuesday (more likely Wednesday because of the mail ballots) brings, it is a way station on a long journey to perfect the ideals to which we are committed. God bless the United States of America.
Overseas voter DHL Discounts for sending the completed ballots:
Special deals for Courier services:
Austria-All voters get 20% off ballot return with DHL with code USA20
Canada-Democrats Abroad members get 50% off ballot return with UPS
Czech Republic-All voters get 20% off mail return with DHL with code US20
Estonia-All voters get 28% off ballot return with DHL with promo code USA22
Germany- All voters get 10% off ballot return with DHL with code USA10
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Turkey-All voters get 20% off ballot return with DHL with code USATURKEY20
UK-All voters get 10% off ballot return with DHL when using code USA10
Here's a very encouraging link to an interview on a Meidas Touch podcast of Simon Rosenberg, a Democratic policy strategist, with compelling evidence supporting my hunch for some time that there is going to be a surprising blue wave next Tuesday.
Rosenberg says there has been a very unusual proliferation of Republican-leaning polls in the last many weeks by new, inexperienced pollsters. He says that red narrative started last spring and has been perpetuated by the media to support pollsters' and pundits' early and incorrect predictions. His evidence of a consistent, sustaining uptick of Democratic support nationwide is based on analysis of early voting data. He claims Democratic turnout is ahead by several digits, compared to last time, even in battleground red states, and among young voters, who could make the difference. He claims exit polls by the New York Times and others in the last few days correlate with his data. His advice in the next few days is to be positive and actively get out the vote.
While I put little stock in exit polls, his early voting data sounds convincing. I fervently hope he is right!
David Estey
https://youtu.be/G42hiYbwJUs
Overseas voter: If you emailed your Absentee Ballot request (FPCA) to your election clerk and still haven't received it, check your Inbox/Spam folders again. If it hasn't come, complete the Federal Write in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Instructions/download here:
https://www.fvap.gov/vote?gclid=Cj0KCQjwteOaBhDuARIsADBqRei7EzWufQGdVCTWTS4yzU23JeWfShhbj9n-2WRjjyEtCdRt45i1zfIaAmquEALw_wcB
Print it out and sign it. Send it back with the signed oath and include signed FPCA. For voters who need 2 envelopes, read your state's instructions re the main envelope and the security envelope (at votefromabroad.org or fvap.org).
I am an Evangelical Christian and a lifelong Republican. I never voted for a Democrat in my life until 2020 (Biden). I voted third party in 2016. I knew from the beginning that Trump would destroy the former Republican party and turn it into the Trumplican party. But my biggest concern is that the Trumplican party base is Evangelical Christians who will vote for Trump for one reason only - he has an R next to his name. They are reliably "red" and there is no way to convince them that their vote for Trump is a vote for an evil dictator. Their standard line is "the Democrat is so much worse." It is very frustrating to be an active member of a large church where most of the members think Trump walks on water.
I commented yesterday that, while I believe "we will win" in the end, I have increasing fears that it will be far more long term that I would hope. I also appreciate you citing Rachel Maddow's Ultra podcast. That combined with watching Ken Burns' "The U.S. and the Holocaust" 3-part documentary, are intensely eye-opening. I encourage all readers (actually EVERY AMERICAN) to listen and watch these two powerful programs. They provide important historical perspective and may also offer hope that we can, once again, come out from under dark threats to our democracy.
Robert, I'm so grateful for all your efforts to connect people who truly understand the peril democracy is in and to link arms in the battle to save it. I'm especially happy to read the comment you pinned from Laura Rosedale with the link to votefromabroad.org. I convinced my brother, who had left the US in the Viet Nam era and now resides in Medellin, Colombia and never voted in all this time, that his vote was badly needed in 2020. This election I had no convincing to do. He made sure he had his ballot in plenty of time but since there is no mail system in Colombia had to pay $20 to DHL to deliver it to Florida. I'll be investigating for him how to circumvent that "poll tax" in the coming weeks! My daughter who lives and works in Nova Scotia has been assisting expats there in navigating their unique voting situations as every state has different rules. Thanks to you and your followers for everything you do!
Linda Eastman
One thing to take into consideration regarding polls. I heard last night on MSNBC that few people actually participate in polls-< 2%. IMHO, most likely people are screening/reading caller ID's and not picking up.