The GOP is blocking millions from voting in 2022
Passing John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and Freedom to Vote Act Are Critical to Defend Our Democracy
QUICK READ: The John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and Freedom to Vote Act will go a long way to protect our democracy and blunt Republican efforts to block Democratic voters. Thoughtful conservative Republicans, such as Bill Krystal and Governor Christine Whitman have spoken out loudly against these authoritarian tactics. By contrast, Democrats in the Senate have been paralyzed. They must push our Senators to pass both bills.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
Democracy is under unprecedented siege. The Republican Party has unleashed a multi-pronged attack to deny many citizens the right to vote. In the past six months, 18 states have 30 laws to suppress the vote particularly of minorities and many state legislatures are gerrymandering to protect their power.
Their goal is to hijack the 2022 midterms and 2024 presidential elections.
Two bills can stop extremist Republicans from destroying the foundation of democracy.
Passing the Senate’s John Lewis Voting Rights Bill would:
prohibit race-based voting denials
reinstate the Justice Department approval (“preclearance”) of changes that would
suppress the vote through redistricting,
voter ID requirements,
eliminating early vote access,
and purging voter rolls.
and includes a Native American Voting Rights Act
The Freedom to Vote Act, co-authored by Senator Merkley would:
establishes automatic voter registration upon application of driver’s license
secures and makes accessible ballot drop boxes
prevents partisan gerrymandering
bans partisan interference with election officials, ballots, and tabulations.
If the Republicans filibuster either act, Democrats should immediately end the filibuster, or at minimum enact a “carve-out,” requiring a majority rather than the super majority of 60 votes to pass this critical legislation.
ACTION One: Call the Senate.
Script for Oregon Senators
Script for Republican Senators
ACTION TWO: Call the House.
Script for Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01)
Script for Cliff Bentz (OR-02)
Script for Earl Blumenauer (OR-03)
Script for Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
Script for Kurt Schrader (OR-05)
Action 3:
Other opportunities for action include:
WRITE LETTERS AND POSTCARDS IN GOOD COMPANY,
FRIDAY, OCT. 22, 4:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/274619/
PHONEBANK TO ENCOURAGE VIRGINIANS TO VOTE
SATURDAY, OCT. 23, 12:00 noon-2:00pm: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/410893/
