Democrats Abroad Marks Its 45th Anniversary

Americans, be sure to register at www.democratsabroad.org. If you're on Facebook, join our group at www.groups.to/democratsabroadtaiwan.

Celebrations Planned Around the World

Washington, DC –This month, Democrats Abroad marks its 45th anniversary with celebrations planned around the world. Founded in 1964, Democrats Abroad is the official overseas branch of the U.S. Democratic Party. With members in more than 160 countries around the globe, Democrats Abroad holds eight positions on the Democratic National Committee and sends a voting delegation to the Democratic National Convention to select our presidential candidate.

“We at the DNC are proud to have such a strong party organization representing our Democrats living abroad,” Governor Tim Kaine, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, said. “Your work is a vital part of the Democratic Party and our successes.”

“Democrats Abroad has grown from just two small committees in London and Paris to a worldwide organization. Our membership is now strong enough to have a significant impact on elections at home in the U.S,” Christine Schon Marques, International Chair, said. “Even though we live abroad, we still feel passionately about our country, domestic policy and our elected leadership, particularly now as we work to pass meaningful health insurance reform and restore the U.S. image abroad.”

“Forty-five years ago, Americans residing overseas were in practice disenfranchised because of the difficulties in registering and voting. Thanks in large part to the hard work of Democrats Abroad, that is no longer true,” Peter Alegi, an original member of Democrats Abroad, said.

Democrats Abroad started simultaneously in London and Paris in 1964 when Lyndon Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater. Under the leadership of Toby Hyde and Al Davidson, funds were raised and committees formed. However, votes could not be cast because in 1964, U.S. citizens residing abroad did not have the right to an absentee ballot in most States.

Among other accomplishments, Democrats Abroad hosted the first Global Primary on the internet, successfully lobbied for the passage of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act in 1986, and in 2006, launched an on-line voter registration engine, www.VoteFromAbroad.org

Worldwide celebrations will kick-off in Paris on October 4, 2009, and close in London on November 4, 2009. For more information regarding the celebrations, please visit www.democratsabroad.org