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NEWS Democrats Abroad UK Newsletter Welcome to Democrats Abroad United Kingdom (DAUK)’s monthly e–newsletter of fun and useful information for Democrats in the UK! Table of Contents: 1) Time to vote! A checklist for Overseas Voters 2) Don’t forget the postage! 3) Autumn Event Calendar a) October Political Speakeasy in: Leeds (Oct. 2), Manchester (Oct. 7), Reading/Berkshire (Oct. 7), and in Tunbridge Wells (Oct. 1). b) The Great Debate 08 London on Oct 1, 5, 11, 18 c) The Great Debate 08 Cambridge on Oct. 3, 5, 11, 18 d) The Great Debate '08 Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh e) Keep Congress Teleconference – Save the Date Oct. 12 f) Meet 'Nixonland’ author Rick Perlstein in London on Oct. 15 g) Learn2Act Reading Group announces next topic – this Election/Electoral College – and meeting date: Oct. 28 h) DAUK Film Series Continues/Save the date: Oct. 24 i) Obama Campaign East to West Rallies in Oct./Nov. 4) DAUK Meeting Schedule 5) Track Your Ballot 6) Volunteer Opportunities 7) Interesting Links / Reference Source 8) Contact us Note: As needed, copy and paste any of the links below into your browser or email system. 1) Time to vote! A checklist for overseas voter I ask for a few minutes of your time this week to review this voting checklist. The outcome of this election is in the balance. We can make a difference. You can make a difference. Do it today! Democratically yours, Bill Barnard Chair, Democrats Abroad U.K. 1. Request your ballot: Make sure that you have requested your absentee ballot. Go to www.VoteFromAbroad.org if you have not. 2. Be aware — and let your American friends who may not know—that voting in the Democrats Abroad Primary this past February will not get you a ballot to vote in November. Help us spread the word. 3. Source for State deadlines: deadlines are fast approaching, so send in your ballot today to ensure you have sufficient time to meet this deadline. Note that most states allow the deadline to be met by faxing the original signed FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) as long as the original hardcopy is mailed and received before the ballots are counted. Help spread the word. For an up–to–date list of Registration and ballot return dates, go to https://www.democratsabroad.org/node/6384 4. Confirm your registration with your State on–line: The following states allow you to find your registration status on–line: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Go to the following and click on the link for your state: http://www.fvap.gov/for–voting–assistance–officers/state–voting–registration–verification–sites/index.html 5. Confirm your registration with your State via other means (i.e., if not available online): you can get the contact information for your local election officials at the following website. Select your state and then the local jurisdiction from the drop–down menus. Email or call your election official directly to find out if you are on the voter registration and absentee ballot rolls. http://www.vote–smart.org/voter_county_election_offices.php 6. Use the Federal Write In Absentee Ballot, as needed: Along with your ballot request, www.VoteFromAbroad.org will provide a backup ballot called the Federal Write–in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Keep it in a safe place. If you do not receive your official state ballot by October 15, then go ahead and send in the FWAB. If your state ballot arrives later, complete and mail that one, too. This is not double voting – your election official will count only one. Provided you requested your ballot early enough. If you are not on the electoral roll or if you cannot contact your local election official, please let us know and we will provide additional help and guidance. Questions? Email with your state and as much information as feasible: VoterCentral@DemocratsAbroad.org. 2) Don’t forget the postage! Expect to receive your absentee ballots in early October, although dates depend on each state. Every state ballot is different since some may have pages of referendums. We recommend posting your absentee ballot at a post office and getting this post marked. Return your ballots as soon as feasible to ensure sufficient time to be returned to your County’s election office. Note that even if the envelope says postage paid, this is NOT the case from mailing outside of the US. Ensure you add sufficient postage! Take your ballot to the post office. They can give you proof of posting for free, weigh the ballot to assure correct postage and stamp it with a post mark which is required in some states. 3) Autumn Event Calendar Please note that we request an RSVP to attend most events (unless indicated otherwise), and you should expect a confirmation email within a few days. If you have to cancel, please let us know in advance. This helps DAUK with check in, space required, and confirms that our email invitations and website are working! Copy and paste links below, as needed. a) Political Speakeasy: THIS week/Next Week! Our regularly scheduled Speakeasies are a chance to meet like–minded Americans, have a drink, talk politics, or just make new friends. Speakeasies are informal and held throughout the country, usually once a month. Drop by and join us – and bring a friend! Email contacts at the bottom of this email. Dates/Locations: Leeds (Oct. 2): from 6:30pm, the Victoria Hotel in Leeds (rsvp please…) Manchester (Oct. 7): from 7:00pm, at the Kro Bar Reading/Berkshire (Oct. 7): from 7:30pm at Great Expectations Pub/Hotel Royal Tunbridge Wells (Oct. 1): from 7:00pm, at the Brew House Hotel (downstairs) Note – Cancelled this week! Cambridge (Oct. 1): see Cambridge Debates section, in lieu of the October Speakeasy London (Oct. 1): see London Debates section, in lieu of the October Speakeasy Oxford (Oct. 1): see Oxford Debates section, in lieu of the October Speakeasy For more information: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/3643 Also, see email contacts listed at the bottom of this e–newsletter. b) The Great Debate '08 London Join us ringside as the Presidential and VP candidates go head to head in a series of four recorded debates. Don't watch alone. Don't keep your opinions or questions to yourself. Join a roomful of Democrats for a private screening among friends – and afterwards in the bar to debate what we just saw! Each evening will be introduced by our own guest speaker – names will be confirmed closer to the debate screening. Round One: Obama vs. McCain Date: Wed, Oct. 1 (in lieu of the London Speakeasy) Time: Doors 6:00pm, start 6:15pm prompt Location: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN Focus: Foreign Policy & National Security Round Two: Biden vs. Palin Date: Sun, Oct. 5 Time: Doors 5:00pm, start 5:15pm prompt Location: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN Focus: Foreign & Domestic Topics Round Three: Obama vs. McCain Date: Sat, Oct. 11 Time: Doors 4:00pm, start 4:15pm prompt Location: The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), 195 Piccadilly, London W1J 9LN Focus: Town Hall Meeting Format Round Four: Obama vs. McCain Date: Sat, Oct. 18 Time: Bar open from 3:00pm, start 4:15pm prompt Location: Drill Hall, 16 Chenies St, London WC1 Cost: 10 pounds (or 35 pounds for all 4 screenings) Focus: Domestic & Economic Policy The cost to attend each debate is £10 (pounds) per debate, or £35 (pounds) for all 4 screenings. Please give your full name, indicate which screening(s) you wish to attend and the number of tickets required. Advance payment is required to guarantee your reservation. Payment procedures will be provided in your confirmation. For more information/RSVP: debates@democratsabroad.org.uk c) The Great Debate '08 Cambridge Join us ringside as the Presidential and VP candidates go head to head in a series of four recorded debates. Don't watch alone. Don't keep your opinions or questions to yourself. Join a roomful of Democrats for a private screening among friends – and afterwards in a convivial location to debate what we just saw! These debates are free, but request your RSVP in advance. Round One: Obama vs. McCain Date: Wed, Oct. 1 (in lieu of the London Speakeasy) Focus: Foreign Policy & National Security Round Two: Biden vs. Palin Date: Sun, Oct. 5 Focus: Foreign & Domestic Topics Round Three: Obama vs. McCain Date: Sat, Oct. 11 Focus: Town Hall Meeting Format Round Four: Obama vs. McCain Date: Sat, Oct. 18 Focus: Domestic & Economic Policy Location: for all Cambridge Debates: Cambridge University Graduate Union, 17 Mill Lane, Cambridge, CB2 1RX Time: arrive by 6:30pm, for a 6:45 start (prompt) RSVP: Cambridge@democratsabroad.org.uk d) The Great Debate '08 Oxford, Manchester, Edinburgh Details unavailable at the time of compiling this e–newsletter, but please contact our contacts in these locations for further details of debate screenings. And do offer any volunteer assistance to support these fun events! Edinburgh: Scotland@democratsabroad.org.uk Manchester: North@democratsabroad.org.uk or Manchester@democratsabroad.org.uk Oxford: Oxford@democratsabroad.org.uk e) Keep Congress Teleconference – Save the Date: Oct. 12, 9am EST Democrats Abroad will host an international call featuring candidates involved in several exciting Congressional races. As Congressman Van Hollen reminds us, it is critical that we seize this opportunity to Keep Congress and increase our Democratic majority. Mark your calendar and join this call to hear directly from the candidates. Details on how to register for the call will be sent shortly and will include dial–in details and the list of candidates. Information on each candidate and race will be provided in advance. You will be able to submit questions for the candidates via email. More details will appear in the September 30 NewsfromDemocrats Abroad. f) Meet Nixonland author Rick Perlstein in London at a dinner/drinks fundraiser on Oct. 15 Join us for drinks/dinner with Rick Perlstein, author of the highly acclaimed Nixonland, a "sprawling, rollicking," chronicle of America's current political culture (George Will writing in the New York Times Book Review). For more information: https://www.democratsabroad.org/node/6548 g) Learn2 Act Reading Group Topic: This Election/Electoral College Members asked to bring articles and polls in local US papers about the election, and all will be up for discussion this evening. As well, we will discuss the role of the Electoral College, so do bring your questions. Date: Oct. 28 (Tuesday) Time: 7pm Venue: near High Holborn For more information, and to RSVP to attend this event: Learn2Act@democratsabroad.org.uk h) DAUK Film Series continues – Save the date! October 24 (Friday) Details to follow soon! For more information: films@democratsabroad.org.uk i) Obama Campaign East to West Rallies Show your support for Barack Obama with a lively rally followed by a brief organizing meeting and voter canvassing. Think visible – wear your t–shirts and buttons, and bring signs! October: Waterloo Bridge on October 11 November: Westminster Bridge on November 1 For more information, contact Karin – DNC Regional Field Director – robinsonkj@dnc.org 4) DAUK Meeting Schedule – Join Us All members are welcome to attend DAUK Executive Committee and Council meetings. RSVP in advance of the meeting, to ensure we book an appropriately sized room. Executive Committee meetings: Dec. 1 (note Oct. 6 meeting cancelled, due to debate screenings) Annual General Meeting, March 1, 2009. 4:30–6:30 The role of the DAUK Executive Committee is to review and approve the activities of the Officers, provide advice to the Chair, and to confirm the appointment of committee chairs and review their activities. The role of the DAUK Council is to actively promote the interests and activities of Democrats Abroad (UK). Will you consider joining the DAUK leadership? DAUK elections planned in March 2009. For more information/RSVP: secretary@democratsabroad.org.uk 5) Track Your Ballot Help us monitor the absentee voting system by tracking the progress of your vote. Write down the date you send your ballot request and any replies you receive. Then record the dates you receive and send your ballot. Ask for proof of mailing, if possible. We'll have an online form later in the year for you to enter your data and add any questions or comments. We're also putting together a team of troubleshooters to assist voters. Questions about voter registration? Votercentral@DemocratsAbroad.org 6) Volunteer Opportunities Do your part for the party, learn a new skill (or two…), meet fellow Americans, and communicate with members living abroad for months, years or decades. Volunteer with DAUK! Consider these opportunities to gain some experience and take the lead within our organization. Many volunteer roles can be done from home, with email and internet connectivity. Some volunteer activities are based on an event, but most will work in with your time schedule. Spotlight on Key Volunteer Needs this month: a) Event Planning/Debates – use your talents to volunteer at one or all of the debate screenings in London, as well as in Cambridge, Oxford and Edinburgh. Help to identify venues for a debate watch party, check in members, etc. during these fun events. A great opportunity to meet Dems in the UK. Contact for more information: London: Debates@democratsabroad.org.uk Cambridge: Cambridge@democratsabroad.org.uk Oxford: Oxford@democratsabroad.org.uk Edinburgh: Scotland@democratsabroad.org.uk Other Opportunities to help Get Out the Vote: a) Get Out the Vote Phone bank: Contact DAUK members to ensure they are registered to vote, and help respond to questions. Training provided. Contact Karin at callvoters08@democratsabroad.org.uk. b) Canvas for Voters: Every weekend between now and Election Day, activities planned to leaflet heavily in markets and high streets across to find and register American voters. For more information, contact: robinsonkj@dnc.org c) Monday Night Meetings 'Til Election Day: Join the DNC Regional Field Director in London each Monday night to discuss volunteer opportunities for the coming week. For more information, contact robinsonkj@dnc.org. Contact Matt, DAUK’s Volunteer Coordinator to discuss all DAUK volunteer opportunities in greater detail: volunteer@democratsabroad.org.uk. 7) Interesting Links / Reference Source a) Useful resource for almost every question on voter registration, along with contact details for people in your district who can answer local questions. Click here: www.VoteSmart.org. b) State by state voter registration deadlines and absentee ballot deadlines. Click here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/6384 c) Democrats Abroad 2008 Platform on issues affecting Americans Abroad Click here: http://www.democratsabroad.org/node/5543 d) "Where On Earth Will YOU Vote?" Watch the video, spread the word. Click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amukRM9SSoo 8) Contact us. Note: If any issues with links throughout this email, simply copy and paste the URL into your browser, or address into your email system. Register to Vote in the November Election: http://www.votefromabroad.org/ Questions about Voting in the November general election? VoterCentral@democratsabroad.org Democrats Abroad UK Useful Contacts: Volunteer with DAUK: volunteer@democratsabroad.org.uk Help fund DAUK’s 'Get Out the Vote’ activities: treasurer@democratsabroad.org.uk Young Dems: youngdems@democratsabroad.org.uk Press Questions: press@democratsabroad.org.uk Films Committee London: films@democratsabroad.org.uk Other questions? secretary@democratsabroad.org.uk Chapter/Regional Contacts: Belfast: belfast@democratsabroad.org.uk Brighton: southdowns@democratsabroad.org.uk Cambridge Chapter: cambridge@democratsabroad.org.uk Gerrards Cross/Chilterns: chilterns@democratsabroad.org.uk Leeds: leeds@democratsabroad.org.uk Manchester: north@democratsabroad.org.uk or manchester@democratsabroad.org.uk Oxford Chapter: oxford@democratsabroad.org.uk Reading/Berkshire: berkshire@democratsabroad.org.uk Scotland: scotland@democratsabroad.org.uk Surrey: surrey@democratsabroad.org.uk Tunbridge Wells: Tunbridge@democratsabroad.org.uk More info DAUK: http://www.democratsabroad.org.uk or http://www.democratsabroad.org/group/united–kingdom DA International: http://www.democratsabroad.org Mailing Address: DAUK, Suite 340, 56 Gloucester Road, London SW 7 4UB Tel./Fax: +44 (0) 20 7724 9796 Campaign Contact: Campaign Contact in the UK: robinsonkj@dnc.org Need campaign supplies? http://store.barackobama.com/ |
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