THE ELECTION iNSURRECTION
“This is no ordinary moment in the course of our democracy. It is a moment of great peril and risk” - 150 scholars of democracy.
QUICK READ: The Republican war against our form of government is now attacking the ballot box, democracy's sanctuary. That votes must be freely cast and fairly counted is a principle that doesn’t work for a shrinking Republican party. Its plan to hold power rests on sabotaging elections, by blocking certain voters and rigging ballot counting. Two Senate bills can safeguard elections, and they must pass.
TAKE ACTION NOW:
BACKGROUND
Biden will host an international “democracy summit” this week. Worldwide, democracy is in retreat. But Biden’s toughest challenge is resuscitating democracy here at home.
Half of America’s youth say US democracy is ”in trouble or has failed.” The UN condemned the US for the destruction of minority voting rights, calling it “tyranny.” China lectures that America’s failed Covid response proves western democracy is “doomed to fail.”
The 2022 election could be democracy's tipping point.
Republican-controlled states are already sabotaging those elections. New laws restrict absentee ballots, block “certain” voters, dilute districts through gerrymandering, let partisans count votes, and more.
Two bills pending in the Senate could thwart these laws. The Freedom to Vote Act is a comprehensive package of voting, redistricting, and campaign finance reforms. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would prevent future voter discrimination.
Any vote on these bills is likely to be filibustered, with a loophole weaponized by Republicans. Scholars call for the filibuster to be eliminated because “our entire democracy is now at risk.”
Democracy can make working-class lives better, jobs more plentiful, and hardships less severe. But first, we must stop the extremists who want to destroy democracy to keep themselves in power.
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].
Oregon Senators: Either we pass the Freedom to Vote Act, or we let our democracy die. It is way past time to make the right choice - and it is very nearly too late. Congress must also restore international funding to strengthen democracies abroad.
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].
Oregon Senators: Either we pass the Freedom to Vote Act, or we let our democracy die. It is way past time to make the right choice - and it is very nearly too late. Congress must also restore international funding to strengthen democracies abroad.
Script for Republican Senators
D.C switchboard: 202-224-3121
My name is [–] and I’m a constituent from [city], [state], [zip code].
Republican senators: You cannot sabotage elections and call yourself an American. Protect democracy. Protect the vote.
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].
Thank you for your work to protect elections. Action is now in the Senate, but Senators need a push. Speak out about Republicans sabotaging our elections and what the John Lewis and Freedom to Vote Acts would accomplish. Either we pass these bills, or we let our democracy die. It is very nearly too late.
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].
You cannot sabotage elections and call yourself an American. Protect democracy. Protect the vote.
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].
Thank you for your work to protect elections. Action is now in the Senate, but Senators need a push. Speak out about Republicans sabotaging our elections and what the John Lewis and Freedom to Vote Acts would accomplish. Either we pass these bills, or we let our democracy die. It is very nearly too late.
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].
Thank you for your work to protect elections. Action is now in the Senate, but Senators need a push. Speak out about Republicans sabotaging our elections and what the John Lewis and Freedom to Vote Acts would accomplish. Either we pass these bills, or we let our democracy die. It is very nearly too late.
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].
Thank you for your work to protect elections. Action is now in the Senate, but Senators need a push. Speak out about Republicans sabotaging our elections and what the John Lewis and Freedom to Vote Acts would accomplish. Either we pass these bills, or we let our democracy die. It is very nearly too late.
Action 3:
Other opportunities for action include:
Phonebank on Saturday, December 11 from 9:00-11:00am (Pacific time)
Phonebank to demand bold changes to create a government that represents all of us, not just big corporations or special interests. We'll be calling voters in AZ and connecting them to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema to support the Freedom to Vote Act. Training will be provided. You will need a phone and a computer or tablet.
Register here: https://www.mobilize.us/swingleft/event/396674/
[Please join our organizers who are attending this phonebank, hosted by Common Cause and Target Majority NYC.]
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FURTHER READING:
Autocracy Is Winning - The Atlantic
Colorado Secretary of State warns of 'slow motion' Jan. 6 happening now | Reuters
Trump’s Capacity to Steal the 2024 Election Is Only Growing | Vanity Fair
Why Can’t Democrats Make GOP Extremism a Campaign Issue? | The New Republic
Voting Battles of 2022 Take Shape as G.O.P. Crafts New Election Bills - The New York Times
