Celebrating America's 250th anniversary

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US voters in the UK head to Lewes for 5th July anti-tyranny rally - America was founded on a set of ideas, likely conceived just off the A27!

Democrats Abroad UK will mark the 250th anniversary of 'Common Sense,' the essay that incited the American Revolution, with events held in Thomas Paine's British hometown.

On 5th July 2026, 1:00pm – 5:00pm, Democrats Abroad UK (DAUK) will host an event for Americans from all over the United Kingdom in the East Sussex town of Lewes, the home of Paine, author of 'Common Sense', the publication credited with persuading the colonists to shirk the rule of King George III.  The anti-tyranny themes in Paine's essay and other political writings resonate today ahead of the upcoming mid-term elections in the US.

DAUK is hosting the event to mobilise Americans in the UK and their votes.   Americans living abroad can easily register to vote or request their ballot by visiting the non-partisan site votefromabroad.org.

'American crisis - Fight back with Tom Paine and his 21st century friends in Lewes!'

Featuring: • Larger than life bobbleheads of Trump and his cabinet

• Americans abroad discussing what the USA's 250th anniversary means from overseas

• Voter registration and overseas organising ahead of upcoming US elections

• Dramatic readings of 'Common Sense' and access to Paine's home, Bull House, and the White Hart Inn where he debated peers in The Headstrong Club

• Demonstration of electricity generated from Thomas Paine spinning in his grave

• Speeches by Sarah Churchwell, Professor of American Literature at University College London, and others

• Performances by Erich McElroy, American stand-up comedian and political satirist as well as Paul and Carol Kelly, renowned performers of The Great American Songbook

This event offers a timely and visually rich story connecting local Sussex history to a major global milestone.

Established in 1964, Democrats Abroad (@DemsAbroad) is the official arm of the Democratic Party for the millions of U.S. citizens living outside of the United States.  We strive to provide U.S. citizens abroad a democratic voice in our government and elect Democratic candidates by mobilizing the abroad vote.