Let the Race Begin
>> Germany turns to the Internet to mobilize absentee voters

This article appeared in the International Herald Tribune's FAZ Weekly magazine February 20, 2004. 

BERLIN – Let the race begin.  Not for president but for absentee voters.  If there is one thing about the 2000 election both Republicans and Democrats can agree on, it’s that the votes of U.S. citizens living abroad matter more now than perhaps ever before.  As Chairman of Germany’s Republicans Abroad, this will be my second U.S. presidential election in Germany.  On the night of the last election I stood in front of a group of reporters cautiously stating ‘we’ve won’.  Over a month later, thanks to committed U.S. voters residing abroad, I didn’t have to eat my words.

 According to the U.S. State and Defence Departments, Germany hosts one of the single largest populations of non-resident U.S. citizens, nearly a quarter million.  Most being either military personnel and their families or members of the business community tend to be conservative and support Republican causes and candidates.  Many I speak to are surprised to hear they can vote even after years if not decades of living outside the United States, but few know how to begin.  That’s where we come in.  But it’s not easy tapping into potentially tens of thousands of votes with an all volunteer organization, so for this election year we’ve turned to the Internet. 

 Just as the web transforms politics back home, so too is it enhancing the ability of Republicans Abroad to organise and make a significant contribution to elections back in the U.S.  Already our www.gopgermany.com website is rounding up voter registration inquiries and recruiting team leaders throughout the country.  Voters ranging from members of our armed forces and their families to relocated corporate managers have submitted requests to vote absentee.  Rules regarding registration and voting procedures vary from state to state but we research and respond to every inquiry with information tailored to individual voters.

 Presidential election years are especially exciting and this year promises to be no different.  In addition to our absentee voter campaign, Berlin will host this year’s European Regional Conference for Republicans Abroad in May.  As we enter Spring, the election season will once again heat up.  Have no doubt Republicans will be here, committed to an enduring partnership with Germany and the U.S. citizens who call it home.

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