Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Democrats Abroad, the international arm of the US Democratic Party, is holding its 2012 International Convention May 17th through 20th in Puerto Vallarta. Hosted by Democrats Abroad Mexico, of which local resident Dee Dee Camhi is the country chair, the convention will be headquartered at the Fiesta Americana Hotel.

The membership of Democrats Abroad encompasses millions of US citizens living in 160 countries around the globe that are concerned about the issues of the day, both in the US and abroad, and are motivated to take an active role in the political process.

In point of fact, the membership is of such magnitude that the Democratic Party has designated the organization, the "51st state" within the overall party apparatus, and it ranks 17th versus all other states in terms of voting potential represented.

Approximately 65 delegates representing the leadership of the various regions of Democrats Abroad-the Americas, Europe/Africa and Austral/Asia-will be present for the four days of meetings and another 40 plus will participate via on-line conferencing.

During this period, delegates to the Democratic Party National Convention in Charlotte, NC will be selected, resolutions regarding a wide variety of issues, including immigration, will be debated and potentially recommended for inclusion in the Party platform, strategies formulated to assist citizens in registering to vote and plans made to ensure a strong voter turnout in the November Presidential election.

Additionally, delegates will have a number of social events available to them, which not only will acquaint them with the beauty and immense array of activities of the Bay of Banderas, but also provide a significant economic impact.

Citizens of the US and those who have relatives who are US citizens are strongly encouraged to register to vote through the registrar of the county in which they live, or if they live abroad and would like to vote from abroad go to VoteFromAbroad.org or DemocratsAbroad.org.

Both sites offer complete information on how to vote in what is shaping up to be one of the most important elections in US - perhaps world - history.