THE FOR THE PEOPLE ACT PROVIDES ELECTION SECURITY
Jump to today’s actions:
Background
What would America look like if everyone really could vote? Democrats want us to find out by passing “For the People” (HR1/S1) and "John Lewis Voting Rights" Acts.
Today we focus on how HR1/S1 will protect elections from interference by strengthening infrastructure and treating voter data as sensitive information,
Currently, there is almost no regulation or oversight of election equipment vendors. Security and reliability standards are voluntary; companies don’t have to report hacks or conduct audits for counting accuracy.
Vendors in the elections sphere are handling sensitive data, much like vendors in the national security sphere. They should be required to meet standards and protect data much as those who work for DoD.
Right now, foreign companies can own or be investors; companies aren’t required to use USA-made equipment; maintain supply chain integrity; or conduct employee background checks.
HR 1/S1 gives counties resources to address all of these vulnerabilities. Republicans know they lose elections if everyone votes. To strengthen election access, we’ll have to fight like hell. We ask our MoCs to use Oregon's example to lead their colleagues to pass HR1/S1. We pledge to use our power as activists to help them.
1. Call the Senate.
Script Oregon Senators
SEN. MERKLEY: Portland office: 503-326-3386 | D.C. office: 202-224-3753
My name is [--] and I'm a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
I am thrilled that you are a lead sponsor of For The People (S1). I believe that S1 and he John Lewis Voting Act are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I thank you for your years of advocacy; you were instrumental in bringing us to the moment when passage is possible. I support you as you work to turn both these bills into laws.
SEN. WYDEN: Portland office: 503-326-7525 | D.C. office: 202-224-5244
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The For the People Act (S1) and the John Lewis Voting Act are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I thank you for your years of advocacy; you were instrumental in bringing us to the moment when passage is possible. I support you as you work to turn both these bills into laws.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
The For the People Act (S1) and the John Lewis Voting Act are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I know you realize that elections are the lifeblood of a democracy. Making them safe from outside interference and available to all citizens are existential matters that transcend party. I urge you to be a statesmen in the tradition of so many giants of Republican Party, and vote to pass both of these bills.
2. Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Oregon office: 503-469-6010 | DC office: 202-225-0855
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The For the People Act (HR1) and the John Lewis Voting Act (HR4) are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I thank you for your past votes for voter protection and election security. Please redouble your efforts now to turn both these bills into laws.
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Medford office: 541-776-4646 | DC office: 202-225-6730
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The For the People Act (HR1) and the John Lewis Voting Act are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I know you realize that elections are the lifeblood of a democracy. Making them safe from outside interference and available to all citizens are existential matters that transcend party. I urge you to be a statesmen in the tradition of so many giants of Republican Party, and vote to pass both of these bills.
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Oregon office: 503-231-2300 | DC office: 202-225-4811
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The For the People Act (HR1) and the John Lewis Voting Act (HR4) are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I thank you for your past votes for voter protection and election security. Please redouble your efforts now to turn both these bills into laws.
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Eugene office: 541-465-6732 | DC office: 202-225-6416
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The For the People Act (HR1) and the John Lewis Voting Act (HR4) are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I thank you for your past votes for voter protection and election security. Please redouble your efforts now to turn both these bills into laws.
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Salem office: 503-588-9100 | DC office: 202-225-5711
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], Oregon [zip code].
The For the People Act (HR1) and the John Lewis Voting Act (HR4) are must-pass legislation to save our democracy. I thank you for your past votes for voter protection and election security. Please redouble your efforts now to turn both these bills into laws.
Action 3 - Make Calls with IO to help pass HR1/S1
Join us this week for our first voter outreach event as we partner with Common Cause to connect voters in key states with their Members of Congress in support of the For The People Act. This phonebank event will be Saturday, 12-2 pm. https://www.indivisibleor.org/events/phonbank-hr-1-02-20-21.
SOURCES:
All about HR 1/S1:
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/policy-solutions/annotated-guide-people-act-2021
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/policy-solutions/congress-must-pass-people-act
Merkley a lead sponsor of S1:
https://www.democrats.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/leader-schumer-senators-merkley-and-klobuchar-announce-legislation-to-renew-democracy-take-big-money-out-of-politics-and-stop-washington-corruption-will-be-first-bill-introduced-by-democratic-senate-majority
Indivisible on the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. https://indivisible.org/resource/democracy-reform-john-lewis-voting-rights-act
Elections Infrastructure:
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/policy-solutions/framework-election-vendor-oversight
https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/how-secure-elections-2020-and-beyond
