Last night I went to a Barack Obama rally at the Centro Studi Americani in Rome. It was really cool and I learned lots of new things about Barack and what his platform is all about. I always promised myself if Hillary were to run, I would definitely vote for her, but after last night I am leaning more towards Obama. Of course, I will vote democratic no matter who the candidate is, but at least for the primary I am voting Obama!This post isn’t about me voting for Obama, it is about making sure every Democrat in Italy or abroad votes in the February 5th caucus (and then in the general election in November). It is so easy this year as they have made it possible to not only vote in person, snail mail or fax, but also online. You must register at http://www.democratsabroad.org to vote by email. Check out the site there is a ton of info on there.
I also learned last night that the Democratic party considers the 6 million Americans living abroad (and 160,000 living in Italy) as its own state, and our “state” has 22 delegates. Our vote really does matter! I urge all Democrats to vote in the primary! Just know that you must be a registered member of Democrats Abroad as of January 31, 2008 or you can register at a voting center on the date of the primary vote, which is February 5 for Italy. To register with Democrats Abroad, fill out the form located here: www.democratsabroad.org/join.
The physical voting locations in Italy are:
Bologna
Tuesday, February 5 16:00 – 21:00
University of California Study Center, Via Val d’Aposa 7
For more information, contact Federico.minoli@libero.it
Florence
Tuesday, February 5 16:00 – 21:00
Syracuse University, 15, Piazza Savaronola
For more information, contact joann.white@virgilio.it
Milan
Tuesday, February 5 16:00 – 21:00
Il Centro Lingua Italiana, Via Brera, 11
For more information, contact maria.lassila@fastwebnet.it
Rome
Tuesday, February 5 16:00 – 21:00
St. Paul’s Within the Walls, Via Napoli, 58
For more information, contact anthony.sistilli@gmail.com
Voting centers in Italy will be open from 4 - 9 pm on February 5, 2008 where you can cast a ballot. Please be sure to bring a valid ID to the voting center (ex: US passport, US driver’s license, Italian ID card)!!!
Also if you are interested in joining Barack’s Italy group, check out Americans in Italy for Obama.
Lastly, read these articles from the Democrats Abroad site on the Myths and Facts of voting from abroad.
Here are a few pictures from the rally last night:
[...] Rally In Rome & How To Vote From Abroad January 26th, 2008 unknown wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptLast night I went to a Barack Obama [...]
I think if I were American I’d vote for Clinton just because I want a female president.
I will be voting Obama all the way
I would love a women president…but with Hillary running..you get 2 for the price of one 
And quite frankly I have had enough of the *status quo* and I think a fresh new change is in order!!!
so cool to see that you’re so involved in this! good for you!
Go DEMS!!!
Are there really 160,000 Americans living in Italy?? (!) (!) Wuau, that many? It shouldn’t surprise me, I guess, but to be honest, it does!
Best of all, those living abroad have delegates? You learn something new every day…
BlueFish: That was how I initially thought, but after Bush America needs the best candidate possible, regardless of sex. In my opinion, it is Obama.
My Melange: That is my thinking too.
Eryn: I am really thankful the Democratic Party is making it so easy for us! I actually never went to rallies when I lived in the US. It was funny because someone made a comment about how cool it is that we can be in a foreign capital, on the other side of the world, in a building older than the United States and still make a difference.
WOW!
Roam2rome: That was my initial reaction too! It isn’t my quote but that of the Democrats Abroad. It makes me wonder why their aren’t more Italy bloggers?!?
My primary vote is in the mail! I sent it off the other day. :O)
I am rooting for Clinton, but will vote for Obama if he is the nominee. I actually would like to see Clinton/Obama. Then in 8 years Obama can be Pres, and give America 16 years.
[...] is a loony … cause i can - Last Updated - Saturday January 26 Request a Trackback Obama Rally In Rome & How To Vote From Abroad Last night I went to a Barack Obama rally at the Centro Studi Americani in Rome. It was really [...]
I am having trouble deciding between Clinton and Obama. I’m not sure I can trust Hillary to be honest and I think it will be weird having an ex-president as first man. Obama doesn’t seem to be patriotic and his pastor for 20 years, Wright, seems to be a terrible influence. I wish that there was a better choice.
It is a interesting election- I am so glad the Bush regime is almost over though!-jessica