Democracy is under threat across the country, as many states pass onerous voter suppression laws that make it harder to register to vote and cast your vote. We believe that democracy can only truly thrive when everyone is able to participate. When each person’s voice is honored and each person’s contribution counts, then we can work to build a society that is equitable and inclusive. With too many examples to choose from we’ve seen how voter suppression, partisan gerrymandering and dark money in politics can work in concert to exclude people’s voice in their democracy – thereby cheapening and flattening what democracy even means.
All year advocates have been pushing for Congress to work together on legislation to address the threats to democracy and voting in the U.S. Recently a bill was introduced called the “Freedom to Vote Act” which is built off of the framework of the “For the People Act.” Passage of this bill in the Senate would pave the way for taking crucial steps to dismantle the systemic barriers that have built up to prevent people from participating in their democracy, especially people who are Black, Indigenous and people of color. This transformative bill will protect and strengthen the sacred right to vote, end the dominance of big money in politics, end partisan gerrymandering and implement anti-corruption measures. These are common sense reforms, which have broad bipartisan support. At a time when most state legislatures are considering legislation to restrict voting rights, this legislation is more important than ever. We must move forward, not backward.
Congress must also pass the “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act” which will bring back preclearance for states looking making changes to their voting laws who have had a history of racially discriminatory voting laws.
As people of faith, we believe in upholding the dignity of each person, which means protecting their sacred right to participate in the democratic process, unencumbered by voter suppression. It also means making sure all voices are lifted up, not just those who can afford a corporate political action committee. The Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act represent an important step toward helping us live more fully into the promise of a democracy for ALL.
Please contact your Senators asking for their full support and swift passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act so we can make sure that each person’s voice and vote are protected.