FEATURE ARTICLE
Making Every Vote Count: Expatriates Head to the Polls
EXPATRIATE INTERVIEW
Lucy Laederich
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Professionals Abroad
EXPATRIATE RESOURCES
Websites Focused on Expatriate Life
DID YOU KNOW
Hugs for Charity
ON A GOOD NOTE
A word from our clients
Making Every Vote Count: Expatriates Head to the Polls
By Emilie Udell
The idea of expatriates voting in the U.S. presidential election may sound like an oxymoron to those not familiar with the population of Americans living outside of the United States. The word “expatriate” sounds like the description for people who no longer support their home countries, and have moved away to become “ex-patriots.” However, this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether abroad for work, service, or personal reasons, expatriates are still citizens with a keen interest in the political landscape of their home country, and this interest is most evident during election years. In the past, expatriates have found the process of voting via absentee ballot to be confusing, and after the 2000 election debacle, questioned whether their votes were even counted properly. Now, in an election year which could bring the first ever African American or female president (and First Gentleman), expatriates are scrambling to make their voices heard. According to the State Department, there are approximately four million Americans living outside of U.S. borders, though other expatriate groups estimate this number has grown to over six million since that figure was released. Expatriates outnumber the total population in 27 states. Presidential candidates have begun to recognize the impact expat votes have in the election as they added a few international cities to their campaign trail last fall. Americans expats in London made up the highest campaign contributions from an international city this year, followed by Tokyo. Democrats Abroad, an organization supporting expatriate members of the Democratic Party organized the first ever online global presidential primary in February. Expats were able to cast votes via mail, online, or in person at polling stations in 34 countries. More than 20,000 U.S. citizens voted, and Barack Obama triumphed with 65% of the votes. He was awarded 7 delegates based on the international primary results. Republicans Abroad did not offer a similar opportunity, but does encourage expatriate voters to use the conventional absentee ballot to vote. To further improve the election process, representatives from various expatriate organizations are taking concerns back to their home country to visit the people in charge: the U.S. Capitol. Overseas Americans Week takes place in April, where leaders from clubs such as the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas and American Citizens Abroad visit Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators about issues effecting expatriates, such as taxes and citizenship. On their last visit, they managed to form the Americans Abroad Caucus, which is comprised of legislators who are familiar with the expatriate lifestyle, and interested in improving it. This year, their focus is voting and election reform and they hope to add more members to their caucus to keep their concerns in front of lawmakers. If you missed the opportunity to vote in the presidential primary, you still have plenty of time until Election Day to register and obtain an absentee ballot. The Federal Voting Assistance Program website (www.fvap.gov) walks you through the steps to getting your ballot. You can also register and request your ballot at Overseas Vote Foundation (www.overseasvotefoundation.org).
Read more about Overseas Americans Week in our expat profile on Lucy Laederich. |
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Expatriate Question & Answer |
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Where do you currently reside? How many years have you lived there?
I have lived in Paris, France, since 1970, well over half my life!
How many years have you lived away from your home country?
If I count 6 years in Canada and 2 in Europe when I was younger, it makes almost 46 years!
What other countries have you lived in?
Sardinia, Switzerland, Canada (Saskatchewan)
How do you stay in touch with other expatriates?
I am very much involved in FAWCO, and am also a relatively active member of two groups in Paris, AAWE (Association of American Wives of Europeans) and AARO (Association of Americans Resident Overseas).
What helped you decide to work and move abroad?
I got a Fulbright to come to Paris and write my doctoral dissertation on the theater of Boris Vian. I met and married a Frenchman (and did not finish the dissertation) and have lived in France ever since.
What do you like most and least about living abroad?
I guess the fact of feeling totally at home in two languages and cultures is what I enjoy most – there is a great richness to that. I do miss space in my home – and I wish the Atlantic were a little smaller, because I would love to be able to travel more than I do in the United States.
What advice would you give someone who is moving abroad?
Learn the language and never be afraid to ask questions. Don’t allow yourself to be tucked away in an “expatriate” community – read the papers, know what’s going on in the country, be curious…
Where would you like to go next?
I’m afraid that, with my children and 2 granddaughters here in Paris, this is my “next”. I have often thought I’d like to live in Ireland but I think that after all this time, Paris will continue to be my home base.
Lucy Laederich is an organizer for Overseas Americans Week, an event where representatives of the expatriate community meet with U.S. legislators to discuss topics such as expat voting rights, taxes, and more.
Tell us a little about Overseas American Week.
We try to see as many offices as possible, legislators on both sides of the Hill and also the State Department, organizations like AARP and LWV and the National Association of Secretaries of State, etc. Our group of around twenty is essentially made up of people specialized in one issue like transmission of citizenship or taxation of Americans abroad. I have been most closely involved in election reform legislation and representation of overseas Americans in Washington. When we realized we were not going to be counted in the US Census, we tried another avenue and there is now an Americans Abroad Caucus made up of legislators with a specific interest in and familiarity with the issues of concern to us.
This year, we will focus on trying to “grow” the caucus and, because it is such an important election year, on voting. There are two bills that have been introduced in the House that specifically try to remedy some dysfunctions in the system, and there is one in the Senate that touches on some of the same issues. We’re planning a briefing for staffers to inform them about the caucus and explain why we think these bills are so important to overseas voters, and a reception for current and potential caucus members and other legislators on a few specific committees. There is a possibility there might be a hearing on the voting legislation that week and that would be a wonderful opportunity for us!
Clements International is proud to sponsor Overseas Americans Week 2008.
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ProfessionalsAbroad
Clements International offers uniquely catered insurance services to international assignees, which are conveniently packaged in the ProfessionalsAbroad program.
The ProfessionalsAbroad program includes personal property, automobile, personal liability, and health protection. In addition to Clements International’s unparalleled claims service, each product has a variety of benefits:
▪ Personal Property - includes $25,000 of Personal Liability coverage, “all-risks” coverage for scheduled items, and a transit coverage option.
▪ Auto - provides coverage for Physical Damage (comprehensive and collision), Primary Liability, and Excess Liability.
▪ Health - locate a doctor, submit claims, and review policy documents online.
Contact an account executive today to discuss the right coverage options for you by calling 202-872-0060, or toll free 800-872-0067.
Do you work for a corporation relocating many employees internationally? If so, inquire about our group discount program when you speak to an account executive.
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Overseas Vote Foundation
www.overseasvotefoundation.org
Register to vote, and request your absentee ballot.
Expat Women
www.expatwomen.com
Stories, interviews, blogs, inspiration & more
Free Rice
www.freerice.com
Test your vocabulary for a good cause: for every word you define correctly, a donation is made to the UN World Food Program.
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Clements International Hugs for Charity
Clements International will travel to Boston in April to participate in the Global Society of Human Resource Managers (SHRM) Conference, but instead of packing the usual free pens and other giveaways, they are bringing a set of open arms.
Vice President of Marketing Lloyd Yavener compares the sense of security and assurance found in Clements International insurance policies to that of a warm hug, and hopes to recreate this feeling by sharing this embrace with SHRM participants. Additionally, for every hug Lloyd gives, Clements will make a $5 donation to the United Way.
“This year, we were trying to think of a giveaway more memorable than a trinket or pen, and thought this would be an excellent way to practice socially conscience marketing. We are helping the United Way serve others, and also carrying out an environmentally-friendly campaign,” Lloyd says about the event.
The Global SHRM conference takes place April 1-3, 2008. Photos of the event, as well as a final count on the number of hugs given and the amount contributed to the United Way will be available after the conference by visiting hugs.clements.com.
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Here is what our clients have to say...
Dear Clements,
Thanks! Clements provides excellent service! I'll be sure to let all my colleagues know before they go overseas.
US Foreign Service Member
US Embassy - Tel Aviv
Thank you very much for your great service. Usually dealing with insurance companies is a pain, but I am glad I chose your company.
Thank you again for your rapid responses and attentiveness to all of my issues!!!
Peace Corps Volunteer
El Salvador
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