Embassy of the United States

Press Release

Americans in Qatar cast their vote

October 14, 2008

Dozens of American citizens came to the U.S. Embassy today to cast their ballots for President of the United States. Although Election Day is not until November 4, the Embassy organized the event in order to help Americans register, fill out their ballots, and send them back to their state officials in time to be counted in the general election.

This year, Americans will not only elect a president, but hundreds of other legislative and executive officers all across the country. In addition to the presidency, Americans cast their ballots at the Embassy for their senators, representatives and, in some cases, state governors and state legislators. One third of the seats in the Senate, which is the upper house of the U.S.

Congress, and all seats in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Congress, will be up for election this November.

“Embassy staff members and I are happy to help Americans send in their ballots; there is a great deal of interest in the elections this year and I am proud to see so many Americans in Doha taking part,” said U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Joseph LeBaron.

U.S. embassies around the world are organizing similar events throughout the month of October to assist absentee voters. Both the Democrats and Republicans have encouraged voters living abroad to participate, and indications are that record numbers will take part in this year’s elections.

An American casting his ballot at the Embassy	U.S. Ambassador to Qatar Joeph LeBaron greeting an American citizen
U.S. Ambassador Joseph LeBaron	U.S. Ambassador Joeph LeBaron with reporter Ayman Aboushi