 | |
| Formation | 1978; 47 years ago (1978) |
|---|---|
| Founder | Bill Brock Richard Beeman |
| Dissolved | January 2013 (2013-01) |
| Purpose | Political Advocacy |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C.,U.S. |
Region | Global |
Republicans Abroad (also known as Republicans Abroad International andRA) was a globalpolitical organization for Americans living outside theUnited States until 2013.
Republicans Abroad was headquartered in Washington, D.C.[1] enabling the group to maintain direct contact with political leaders and policymakers.[2]
Until the passage of theOverseas Citizens Voting Rights Act of 1975, US citizens overseas could not vote in federal elections.[3] After PresidentGerald Ford signed this legislation into law, citizens living abroad were permitted to cast an absentee ballot in their state of residence.[3] Shortly after ratification, formerRepublican National Committee Chairman,Bill Brock, and former chairman of UK Republicans,[4] Richard Beeman, established Republicans Abroad in 1978[5][6] to organize the estimated 3 million American overseas constituents, the majority of which were Republican.[2][7]
Republicans Abroad hosted a weekly radio-show viawsRadio titledRepublicans Abroad Radio.[8] The show aired live weekly for several years. Guests to the show includedPresident Ronald Reagan's Attorney GeneralEdwin Meese III,Grover Norquist, and members of Congress.
In January 2013, Republicans Abroad International closed,[9] leaving its chapters to continue forward as independent organizations. When the international entity was dissolved, most chapters migrated toRepublicans Overseas, while a few of its former chapters endured as independently operated organizations throughout the world, continuing a role in coordinating American voters living overseas; advocating theRepublican platform and principles; engaging with media; and hosting local events.[10]