With the upcoming election just over a week away, Democrats Abroad, a campaign group for Americans living overseas, is working diligently to ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot, particularly those who are far from home.
Democrats Abroad serves as the official branch of the Democratic National Committee, advocating for and engaging with Americans residing abroad. Among the 447 DNC members, eight represent Democrats Abroad, with members elected from various regions worldwide.
According to the Federal Voting Assistance Program, approximately 4.4 million US citizens were living abroad in 2022, with around 2.8 million of them eligible to vote in the upcoming election. However, there are additional groups, such as students studying abroad and digital nomads, who may not be present in the US during the election period.
Sharon Manitta, the global press secretary for Democrats Abroad, emphasized the organization's commitment to reaching out to all eligible voters, regardless of their location. She highlighted the importance of informing Americans living outside the US about their voting rights, stating, 'So many people don’t realize that even if you live outside the US, you still have the right to vote.'
In London, volunteers dedicated their weekend to distributing informational cards and encouraging Americans to participate in the electoral process. Throughout the year, they have engaged with communities at farmers markets and international NFL games to raise awareness about voting.
Despite being affiliated with the Democratic Party, Manitta emphasized that Democrats Abroad is ready to assist any individual outside the US who encounters challenges in voting. 'We will help anybody of any political persuasion vote. We feel really strongly about that,' she affirmed.
