Southern Sudanese Diaspora in US Mobilize to Vote

Southern Sudan Out of Country Voting January 2011 Referendum in Eight US Cities

News provided by

International Organization for Migration

Jan 04, 2011, 01:28 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The time has come. Registered Southern Sudanese Diaspora voters will choose to confirm the unity of Sudan or vote for the secession of Southern Sudan in the January 2011 Referendum in eight US cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Nashville, Washington, DC (Alexandria, VA), Omaha, Phoenix (Glendale, AZ) and Seattle between January 9-15, 2011.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101123/PH07088LOGO )

Southern Sudanese people throughout the US have participated in the 'This is My Voice' campaign in support of the Referendum, which is being organized by the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission (SSRC), with assistance in eight Diaspora countries from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Luol Deng, Chicago Bulls basketball star and native of Sudan, issued a compelling "This is my Voice" Public Service Announcement. In a statement, he said "Today we can make a difference. I am happy that I am part of such a historic event. Too many lives have been lost to make sure that we reach this milestone. We can determine our future and freedom and I am proud that I can support my fellow Southern Sudanese, give them a voice, give them hope. Every vote will count." He registered to vote in Chicago.

Southern Sudan Out of Country Voting centers will open January 9-15, 2011 from 9:00am until 6:00pm in the following locations:

Boston (61 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02474)
Chicago (3245 N Ashland Avenue, #1, Chicago, IL 60657)
Dallas (10440 Markison Rd. Dallas, TX 75238)
Nashville (535 4^th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210)
Omaha (St. Richard's Rectory, 4320 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68111)
Phoenix (St. James Roman Catholic Parish, 19640 N. 35^th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308)
Seattle (608 Maynard Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98104)
Washington, DC (216 Peyton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314)

USA SSRC representative Benaiah Duku says, "This is a once in a lifetime historical event. Ballot boxes have arrived. Now it is time for the Southern Sudanese to mobilize, be counted and vote."

Only Southern Sudanese registered voters are eligible to vote. They must vote where they registered.

For general information, e-mail: [email protected] or call 866-898-0119. To request media or observer accreditation, visit: www.ssrc.sd or call Ivy K Pendleton if you are a member of the media on a deadline.

Media Inquiries and Accreditation:

Ivy K Pendleton, Public Information Officer USA

International Organization for Migration

(202) 340-0783, Email: [email protected]