September 2014 NewsletterA MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Dear Democrats living in Switzerland,
Are you one of the lucky overseas voters who has never had to worry about getting a ballot in the mail on time? Beware! With the MOVE Act of 2010, your ballot can be contested and even rejected in a recount when there is no proof of the ballot having been requested. Overseas voters must request their ballots each election cycle.Registering to vote through votefromabroad.org is the safest and easiest way to vote because Democrats Abroad has recently launched a new and improved version. It has never been easier! And NOW is the time to do it as State registration deadlines can be as early as 3 October. You might get your ballot twice, but you will be sure your vote will count.
It is possible for us to get the majority in Congress and keep the Senate. Just imagine what the next years could be like if we don't? There is too much to do and too much at stake for us to let that happen!
If you have volunteered in the past, or have contacted us recently, please let us know once again if you can help between now and November. We are all volunteers, we all care, and we welcome you.
Don't wake up on November 5th and wish you had done more!
— Anne-Shelton Aaron
Chair, Democrats Abroad Switzerland
Virginia voter
Email us about it →
Organized by the Zurich Chapter of Democrats Abroad Switzerland, this visit is hosted by Member of Parliament Mrs. Barbar Gysi.
Where: The Parliament Building, Bundesplatz 3, 3005 Bern • CHF 25 per person • RSVP to Myrtle P. Alexander ASAP →
Where: Auditorium Ivan Pictet, Maison de la Paix, chemin Eugène-Rigot 2, 1202 Geneva
Registration is requested →
Are you a veteran or part of a military family? A new opportunity to keep up with vets running for office, legislation, and news about veterans affairs is in the works. DA and Democratic National Committee member John Eastwood wants to open a channel between interested members of Dems Abroad and the DNC’s Veterans and Military Families Council.
If you are interested or just want to learn more, send us an email →
Vice chair: Peter Butterfield
Secretary: Radhika Garland
Treasurer: Emily T. Blitz
Counsel: Karen A. Monroe
Immediate past Chair: Maya Samara
Member-at-Large, International Policy Issues: Michael E. Parmly
Member-at-Large: Mark Pasquesi
Vice chair: Myrtle Alexander
Secretary: Madeline McSherry
Communications: Sheela Pawar de Groot
Events & Fundraising Committee, contact events@democrats.ch
GOTV Coordinator, contact Bob Samors
Volunteer Coordinator, contact Emily T. Blitz
Community Manager, contact Radhika Garland
Press and Media Contact, contact Edna Ayme-Yahil
© 2014 Democrats Abroad Switzerland. All rights reserved.
DACH blog • Democrats Abroad • Vote From Abroad • Contribute
If you have volunteered in the past, or have contacted us recently, please let us know once again if you can help between now and November. We are all volunteers, we all care, and we welcome you.
Don't wake up on November 5th and wish you had done more!
— Anne-Shelton Aaron
Chair, Democrats Abroad Switzerland
Virginia voter
Absentee Ballots
Vote in the November 4 midterm election that will determine control of the House and Senate by requesting an absentee ballot. | Print and mail the ballot request form: |
 | |
 | Receive you absentee ballot and vote |
 | Return the ballot to your elections office ASAP |
2014 Congressional Vote
My Ballot Arrived Today
States began accepting absentee ballots on September 19, so be sure your vote counts by returning your ballot right away. Haven't received your ballot yet?- Did you request a ballot? Most states require you to request an absentee ballot every year. Get the ballot request form →
- Are you registered to vote? Exercise your right to do so without delay as eligibility deadlines for this election cycle are approaching. Voter registration and absentee ballot requests are on the same form, so you can do both steps at once.
- Elections offices start mailing ballots at least 45 days before the election. Vote as soon as it comes to avoid losing it, forgetting about it, or missing the deadline.
- Your completed ballot must be physically in the possession of your local elections Office by the deadline—a postmark on that date will not suffice.
- If you have not received a ballot at least 30 days before the election, vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB) by mailing it to your local elections office.
- Each state has its own rules and procedures, so review the guidelines applicable to you. Here's a handy overview of request deadlines and ballot due dates.
- Many states now provide status tracking of your registration and/or ballot request and receipt online. Find the website in the Voter Information Directory.
You can always contact your local county elections officials directly for clear and up-to-date information. They are friendly and ready to help.
— Eileen Weinberg
Volunteer, New Jersey voter
Volunteer, New Jersey voter
MidTerm Elections
Key Races 2014
DA is targeting 11 Senate and 24 House races in which our votes from Switzerland could be critical in these very close contests.Hold the Senate
Learn more about the candidates’ positions and information on other 2014 Senate races at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) website →
| Retake the House
|
Get out the Vote
Volunteer
Now through October, all around Switzerland: Join phone banks, participate at voter-outreach tables, tell us about places or event that are popular with Americans, host a GOTV event. Volunteer activities are fun and a great way to meet like-minded Americans. There are lots of ways to help and we will provide you with training.Email us about it →
Calendar
Registering Voters in Person
Monday September 29 in Gland, noon-2 pm
WWF International Offices
All Americans welcome to come register to vote and get your questions answered.
Where : Avenue du Mont-Blanc 27 (at Rue du Midi), 1196 Gland – easy walk from Gland train station.
Where : Avenue du Mont-Blanc 27 (at Rue du Midi), 1196 Gland – easy walk from Gland train station.
Sunday October 5 in Geneva, 11 am-5 pm
Expat-Expo
Over 130 exhibitors of goods and services geared to the English-speaking community in Geneva and beyond. Democrats Abroad Switzerland will once again have a stand to sign up new members and help inform Americans on voting rights while living abroad. Come, meet us, and register to vote!
Where : Ramada Encore Event Center at La Praille, Route des Jeunes 10, 1227 Carouge
Where : Ramada Encore Event Center at La Praille, Route des Jeunes 10, 1227 Carouge
Tuesday 7 October in Geneva, 10 am-noon
American Int'l Women’s Club
Open House: discover everything this club has to offer. Democrats Abroad Switzerland will be present for voter registration.
FATCA/TAXATION
DA Publishes FATCA Report
Democrats Abroad and its FBAR/FATCA Task Force released the results of a major research survey of overseas Americans. The study was conducted this June and July. It received 6,552 responses globally, offering insights into the impact FATCA is having on our lives. This research provides DA with the evidence needed to advance the campaign in Washington to fix FATCA. Read the results →Special Events
☆☆ TODAY, Sept 25 in Bern, 5:30 pm ☆☆
Visit to the Swiss Parliament
Organized by the Zurich Chapter of Democrats Abroad Switzerland, this visit is hosted by Member of Parliament Mrs. Barbar Gysi.
Where: The Parliament Building, Bundesplatz 3, 3005 Bern • CHF 25 per person • RSVP to Myrtle P. Alexander ASAP →
Wednesday 1 October in Geneva, 6:30 pm-8 pm
American Diplomacy and the Challenges Ahead in East Asia
Lecture by former US Ambassador to Iraq and South Korea Christopher Robert Hill. Presented by The Graduate Institute. More details …Where: Auditorium Ivan Pictet, Maison de la Paix, chemin Eugène-Rigot 2, 1202 Geneva
Registration is requested →
Saturday October 4, Evening, ONLINE
Oktoberfest Global Town Hall
Find out about the races from the candidates themselves online via WebEx! Details soon.
Sunday October 5 in Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest!
Extravaganza hosted by Democrats Abroad Germany Munich Chapter for the 6th consecutive year. Beer, pretzels, Lederhosen! Full details and tickets …
VETERANS/MILITARY FAMILIES
Are you a veteran or part of a military family? A new opportunity to keep up with vets running for office, legislation, and news about veterans affairs is in the works. DA and Democratic National Committee member John Eastwood wants to open a channel between interested members of Dems Abroad and the DNC’s Veterans and Military Families Council.
If you are interested or just want to learn more, send us an email →
CLIMATE CHANGE WEEK
Friday September 26, 2-3pm, ONLINE
A Conversation on Climate Pollution
An online discussion with Joe Mendelson, chief climate counsel to Senator Barbara Boxer (CA) and one of the movers and shakers of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. A behind the scenes look at what our Senate is doing to prevent climate pollution and what is standing in the way of getting even more done. Questions can be submitted in advance. An online event via WebEx. Register with Glenn Berkey for connection details →
Save the Date
Thursday November 27 in Geneva, 6:30-11pm
Thanksgiving Celebration
Hosted by the American International Club. Join us for a delicious family get-together! This year’s profits will be donated to La Maison Tara hospice.
DACH Organization
Executive Committee
Chair: Anne-Shelton AaronVice chair: Peter Butterfield
Secretary: Radhika Garland
Treasurer: Emily T. Blitz
Counsel: Karen A. Monroe
Immediate past Chair: Maya Samara
Member-at-Large, International Policy Issues: Michael E. Parmly
Member-at-Large: Mark Pasquesi
Zurich Chapter
Chair: AnnaMaria FatoVice chair: Myrtle Alexander
Secretary: Madeline McSherry
Communications: Sheela Pawar de Groot
Committee Contacts
U.S. Citizens Abroad Issues, contact Karen A. MonroeEvents & Fundraising Committee, contact events@democrats.ch
GOTV Coordinator, contact Bob Samors
Volunteer Coordinator, contact Emily T. Blitz
Community Manager, contact Radhika Garland
Press and Media Contact, contact Edna Ayme-Yahil
© 2014 Democrats Abroad Switzerland. All rights reserved.
DACH blog • Democrats Abroad • Vote From Abroad • Contribute
