Politics

Democrats Abroad estimate 25,000 - 35,000 eligible US voters in Ireland

Joe Biden decision to step aside and ‘rhetoric from Republican convention’ leads to increase in voter registrations

Us vice-president Kamala Harris: Up to 35,000 US voters in Ireland, Democrats Abroad says. Photograph: Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP/Getty Images
Olivia Kelleher
Sat Jul 27 2024 - 12:54

A group representing Democrats Abroad estimates that there could be as many as 25,000 to 35,000 eligible American voters in Ireland for this US presidential election cycle. .

Voting in the election will take place on November 5th. Patti Shields, chairwoman of Democrats Abroad Ireland, said that while voter registration started in earnest on January 1st, the recent announcement by US president Joe Biden to step aside as well as “rhetoric from the Republican convention” has driven voter registrations and volunteer requests up significantly in the past week.

“Average voter requests have surged 535 per cent over this past week over the year to date average, and my phone is non-stop fielding calls from potential volunteers Irish and Irish-American.

“This trend has also been seen globally as well. It is very encouraging to have the abroad population energised at this point in the election cycle as it gives us plenty of time to make sure voter registrations and ballot requests are made in plenty of time.”

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Ballots requested now are usually mailed out in early Autumn so that they can be received and processed and mailed back “in plenty of time”.

Ms Shields said elections can be decided by the “slimmest of margins” and is calling on all eligible voters to get in touch.

“Our goal is to get as many of these voters registered and ballots requested early so that they can be received and counted in plenty of time. We have seen votes from abroad be the determining voter margins in key elections in battleground states, and we are energised that we can deliver those votes here from Ireland.

“While many voters in Ireland are from states like New York, New Jersey, California and Massachusetts, there are growing numbers of voters from battleground states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Virginia, Arizona, Michigan and Ohio.”

Ms Shields said president Biden has done a “tremendous job” in his first term as president advancing important legislation to protect women, veterans, seniors and marginalised communities.

“His record of public service spanning over fifty plus years is widely celebrated and honoured, and his special relationship with Ireland – including his historic visit here in April of 2023 – will be forever cherished. His decision to step aside in this race was personal and shows the true character and integrity of Joe Biden as a person, not just a politician

“He articulated perfectly that democracy and America are unique ideas that need to be protected, and it is time to pass that torch to a new generation as we are at an inflection point as a country in terms of what the America of the future looks like.”

US citizens who live abroad are eligible to vote for Federal Offices (president/vice-president, senator(s) and US representatives) although there are individual state rules as to timing, process and specific qualifications for voting including other offices.

Voters should go to www.votefromabroad.org to register and request their ballot with most states supporting electronic submission of that request.

There is also one-on-one live help [through Zoom the Vote] to complete their registration and ballot request via live sessions as well as one on one appointment availability with voter specialists outside of the session windows. Any voter looking to donate, volunteer, register and/or connect with Democrats Abroad Ireland should contact info-ireland@democratsabroad.org.