Democrats Abroad Caucus this Saturday in Vancouver

Transmit the message, to the receiver
hope for an answer some day
I got three passports, couple of visas
don’t even know my real name
- Talking Head, Life During Wartime

I am a dual-citizen (CAN-USA) and try to vote in every election i can in both countries but it can be tricky making sure the ballot arrives in time for you to vote and mail it back so your votes counts. For USA-eligible voters in Canada (and there are aplenty), here is some info about making sure your are registered to vote in the USA general election using a ballot mailed to you in Canada in time to make it matter. Here’s what “Mike from Detroit’s” post on Obama Community Blogs - Vancouver World Convention!!! has to say and offers the proper advice, ergo:

Voter Registration

The latest census figures show that US citizens are flocking to Vancouver like never before. Since 2001 over 8000 Americans have moved to British Columbia, and 4610 of them chose to live in Vancouver.

In 2008 one of our primary goals will be to help these newcomers (and those who have been here for a long time before) to register and vote in the next presidential election.

A first step is to direct people to the Democrats Abroad online voter registration page (www.VoteFromAbroad.org). If you or someone you know has not yet registered to vote in the upcoming election, please direct them to this site.

I’ve updated my voter registration to an “American living indefinitely overseas” and encourage you to as well. You generally are attached to the area of your last US address - not that that makes any sense but at least you can start the process online and then print, sign, mail and hope to get your ballot 30 days before the election

Also for those who want to get more involved in party politics (generally not me but i do enjoy having the opportunity to party), here’s some bonus info about the Democrats Abroad Global Convention for the lesser-evil party this weekend in downtown Vancouver. The Republicans do not give delegates to ex-pats but the Demos do (i knew there was a difference!). For USA-ers living in the hallowed northland, the contact info the Democrats Abroad in Canada is available for your questions and concerns, alas the Vancouver chapter provides scant info {see below (i’ve emailed and asked for specific details for the weekends gig - who, where, what to expect, beers?).)

Whatever your political leanings, this is a chance to participate in a historic election in a unique way - just be sure to vote.

BTW geeknote: the Democrats Abroad is yet another Drupal site.

Convention basics follow from “Mike from Detroit’s” post on Obama Community Blogs - Vancouver World Convention!!!.

Global Caucus

Every four years members of Democrats Abroad from around the world are invited to a Global Caucus. The 2008 caucus takes place in Vancouver from April 11th to 13th.

Democrats Abroad is a global organization, with members from countries around the world. The organization has the status of a state party, and sends 22 delegates to the national Democratic Convention where the party’s presidential candidate is nominated.

This year DA members from around the world will come to Vancouver to select delegates for the nominating convention, and to take care of other organization activities. There will be plenty of opportunities to help with on-sight activities in preparation for the event. This is a great chance to get more involved with the party.

Now you may know that Obama already “won” the international primary but the way it breaks down is a bit confusing (kinda like when i was voting in Guam) so i will defer to the post by Darryl Wolk from Newmarket Ontario Obama wins Democrats Abroad global primary for the dealio on how they slice and dice the delegates - he seems absurdly engaged in a breadth of political views which is necessary to negotiate the murky matters of divvying up delegates - did my guy Bill Richardson get any?

UPDATE: Sean of the Vancouver chapter chimes in with the logistics

For the Convention, there are two Regional Caucuses on Friday and the Global Caucus on Saturday. The caucuses primarily select delegates to go to the national convention, elect DNC members, and discuss platform issues. A pretty good summary of the delegate selection processes can be found here:

http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P08/DA-D.phtml

As US citizens we can all join DA and be observers of the meetings. Participation is in part limited to specific electors who hold an office in DA. It is equivalent to the State level conventions that are taking place now after primaries and before the national convention.

More info-nuggets:

Expat Democrats to convene in Vancouver - Vancouver Sun

Democrats race to Vancouver in metro by Jeff Hodson

Democrats abroad in WIkipedia

Get Registered at VoteFromAbroad.org

Tags: obama, clinton, democrats, politics, usa, canadian, ex-pat, voting, election, president, caucus, convention, public policy

Obama’s Position on Medical Marijuana

With the US aflutter with electioneering, my old buddy (who i am very eager to go visit) Hemp Ed in Pe Ell (hear Ed on Bacon, Biscuits and Hemp Ed - Choogle on #39) sent along Senator Obama’s campaign’s response to Ed’s query about the candidate’s medical marijuana policy.

Note that cannabis seems absent from the current political discourse aside from Mitt Romney (stop stalking me Mitt!) telling a terminally ill patient that he wouldn’t allow him to have medicine (he must be stopped!) aside from Ron Paul who has been marginalized by the process (despite rabid grassroots support).

Anyhow, Barack (who has toked in his time)’s folks say:

Dear Friend,

Thank you for contacting Obama for America to inquire about the Senator’s position on allowing severely ill patients to use marijuana for medical purposes.

Many states have laws that condone medical marijuana, but the Bush Administration is using federal drug enforcement agents to raid these facilities and arrest seriously ill people. Focusing scarce law enforcement resources on these patients who pose no threat while many violent and highly dangerous drug traffickers are at large makes no sense. Senator Obama will not continue the Bush policy when he is president.

Thank you again for contacting us.

Sincerely,

Obama for America

We’ll see if noted Olympia correspondent Cosmo (and precinct organizer for Obama AFAIK) has anything to add.

Photo Credit: Awesom high school yearbook image from Pushing String blog Barry Obama and the gang