PROTECTING OUR DEMOCRACY MUST BE OUR CENTRAL FOCUS
Jump to today’s scripts:
BACKGROUND
The fight for democracy is more urgent than ever, and the window of opportunity is quickly closing. Congress must take bold action--including eliminating the filibuster--by passing the For the People Act (S.1) and the John Lewis Voting Advancement Act before even considering leaving town.
Civil rights activists and Texas Dems, who fled to Washington to stop draconian voter suppression legislation, risk arrest to protect the importance of our votes and our democracy
Poor People’s Campaign “Season of Nonviolent Direct Action”: with actions every Monday, through August 2 (the anniversary of 1965 VRA)
Arrests of Congressional Black Caucus chair and other activists singing protest songs in Senate Office Building
Protesters from 42 states arrested during Women’s Moral Monday March (organized by Poor People’s Campaign)
Thousands turned out on the anniversary of John Lewis’ death to demand the Senate honor his legacy by passing this legislation.
And Stacy Abrams’ Fair Fight Action mobilized young progressives and BIPOC voters to daily call all 100 Senators demanding S1’s passage. We must complement these nationwide actions, pledging to daily remind our Senators that, if citizens risk arrest to protect our freedoms, they can, at least, swiftly pass S.1 and the restored VRA.
1. Call the Senate.
Script for 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].
While Congress is now focused on Biden’s American Jobs and Families Plan, protecting our democracy must remain your number one priority. Texas Democratic state legislators, civil rights activists and ordinary citizens have demonstrated their willingness to risk arrest to protect our freedoms. I am asking you to honor their sacrifices and the memory of John Lewis by eliminating the filibuster or creating a carve out and quickly passing the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voter Enhancement Act. Congress must remain in session until this is accomplished.
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].
While Congress is now focused on Biden’s American Jobs and Families Plan, protecting our democracy must remain your number one priority. Texas Democratic state legislators, civil rights activists and ordinary citizens have demonstrated their willingness to risk arrest to protect our freedoms. I am asking you to honor their sacrifices and the memory of John Lewis by eliminating the filibuster or creating a carve out and quickly passing the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voter Enhancement Act. Congress must remain in session until this is accomplished.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
our constituents are worried about attacks on the freedom to vote, and we want our votes to be protected. It is time for you to listen to those who elected you and work to protect our democracy by voting for the For the People Act.
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].
While Congress is now focused on Biden’s American Jobs and Families Plan, protecting our democracy must remain your number one priority. Texas Democratic state legislators, civil rights activists and ordinary citizens have demonstrated their willingness to risk arrest to protect our freedoms. I am asking you to honor their sacrifices and the memory of John Lewis by quickly passing the John Lewis Voter Enhancement Act after updating it to withstand future legal challenges. Congress must remain in session until this is accomplished.
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].
I support Biden’s infrastructure bill which is vital to the economic health of our state.
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].
While Congress is now focused on Biden’s American Jobs and Families Plan, protecting our democracy must remain your number one priority. Texas Democratic state legislators, civil rights activists and ordinary citizens have demonstrated their willingness to risk arrest to protect our freedoms. I am asking you to honor their sacrifices and the memory of John Lewis by quickly passing the John Lewis Voter Enhancement Act after updating it to withstand future legal challenges. Congress must remain in session until this is accomplished.
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].
While Congress is now focused on Biden’s American Jobs and Families Plan, protecting our democracy must remain your number one priority. Texas Democratic state legislators, civil rights activists and ordinary citizens have demonstrated their willingness to risk arrest to protect our freedoms. I am asking you to honor their sacrifices and the memory of John Lewis by quickly passing the John Lewis Voter Enhancement Act after updating it to withstand future legal challenges. Congress must remain in session until this is accomplished.
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].
I strongly support the American Jobs and Families Plan and ask that you do the same. Please also push to update the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to withstand a Supreme Court challenge and pass it. There can be no Congressional holidays or recess until this important work is done.
3. Take Action
To save our freedom to vote Congress must hear from constituents across the country. Please email/text this action to 5 friends in other states – especially those in red states – and ask them to call today.
Sources:
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty takes direct action to save the right to vote
‘Our democracy is in peril’: Women Risk arrests in voting rights protest in D.C.
The Poor People’s Campaign protested for voting, workers’ rights. More than 75 were arrested
Texas Democrats to spotlight national voting rights with week of events
Nation pays tribute to John Lewis one year after civil rights icon’s death
Group founded by Stacey Abrams launches voting rights initiatives
