U.S. citizens are poised to make one of the most consequential choices of a lifetime. The decisions made on election day, November 5, will propel the country in one of two very different directions. The two major U.S. parties propose very different approaches regarding policies within the U.S. and international relationships with Europe and across the globe. The role of the U.S. in NATO and whether managing climate change is a priority for the U.S. are critical issues on the world stage. Polling indicates the election will be extremely close. Voters from abroad contributed the slim margin of votes that decided the last U.S. presidential election. Every vote counts.
A top priority for Democrats Abroad is to assist any U.S. citizen living in Florence to register, obtain ballots and get them back to the U.S. in time to be counted. The process can be challenging as the 50 U.S. states have different regulations and requirements.
Dinner at Borgo Machiavelli for Democrats Abroad
In Tuscany and across Italy during September and October, hundreds of volunteers are ready to donate thousands of hours to facilitate the democratic process for U.S. citizens who, like themselves, live thousands of miles from their homeland. Dinner at Borgo Machiavelli (via Scopeti 64, Sant’Andrea in Percussina) on September 21 will raise funds for Democrats Abroad’s voter assistance activities.
High on a bluff near San Casciano, a 500-year-old villa commands an imposing view of the hills that roll on towards Florence. The view is magnificent as the bright sunlight lights up a dozen hues of green and gold highlighting olive groves, vineyards, Italian cypress and holly oak, and roses tumble over the old walls of the terraced land. Many consider this a quintessential vision of Tuscany. However, for one man in 1513, it was a prison, a place of banishment after his political activities found him at odds with the powerful Medici family. This historic property, only 24 minutes outside of Florence, is well preserved. One can easily imagine the intrigue, isolation and creativity of Niccolò Machiavelli as he penned his masterpiece, The Prince, which is still popular today.
The evening event, starting at 5.30pm, includes a tour of Machiavelli’s home. Highlights are a secret tunnel between the wine cellar, the living area and a room where a handsome old wooden desk is placed in front of a window. It is said that this is the very desk where Machiavelli wrote. Machiavelli enjoyed many pleasures in his family home: wonderful food, excellent wine, good company and the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. At the multi-course Tuscan-themed dinner at Borgo Machiavelli, participants will experience all these things, plus whimsical games and a silent auction. The evening’s speaker, Professor Riccardo Bruscagli, has published numerous articles and books on Machiavelli. His lecture Machiavelli, Throne of Blood at U.C. Berkeley as incumbent chair of Italian culture is still considered one of the best.
What would Machiavelli make of contemporary American politics? Wearing that enigmatic smile featured in his various portraits, he would likely say there is nothing new in 2024. He’s seen it all before.
The ticket price is a donation of $130. RSVP by September 10. Carpooling offered. All proceeds benefit Democrats Abroad’s Voter Assistance
For additional information and tickets, contact info-it-central@democratsabroad.org.
Non-Partisan Voter Assistance events for All US Citizens in Florence
Voter Assistance events will be held in central Florence throughout September and October at Shake Café (via Cavour 67-69R) on Tuesdays from 3.30 to 5.30pm and at Caffé Letterario Le Murate (piazza delle Murate) on Thursdays from 6 to 8pm.
