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
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].
Fight for our country by securing passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. If necessary, abolish the filibuster, or at minimum, create a voting rights carve-out.
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].
Fight for our country by securing passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. If necessary, abolish the filibuster, or at minimum, create a voting rights carve-out.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Join the effort to protect democracy and work across the aisle to support both John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and Freedom to Vote Act
ACTION TWO: 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].
Please push Democratic Senators to pass both the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and the Freedom to Vote Act and, if necessary, urge Oregon Senators to end the Filibuster.
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].
Please Stop subverting our democracy and publicly support both John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and Freedom to Vote Act
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].
Please push Democratic Senators to pass both the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and the Freedom to Vote Act and, if necessary, urge Oregon Senators to end the Filibuster.
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].
Please push Democratic Senators to pass both the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and the Freedom to Vote Act and, if necessary, urge Oregon Senators to end the Filibuster.
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].
Please push Democratic Senators to pass both the John Lewis Voting Rights Bill and the Freedom to Vote Act and, if necessary, urge Oregon Senators to end the Filibuster.
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/
