Major update on voting rights legislation — Yesterday, House Democrats passed the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, a critical package which would ensure all voters can freely and safely access their ballots and protect the results of our elections.
That’s good news. But the bill still needs to pass the Senate, where out of control partisan obstruction and a handful of misguided senators using antiquated filibuster rules are blocking this transformational legislation. Just weeks ago, they had no problem working around filibuster rules to raise the debt ceiling. They have no excuse for inaction here.
We refuse to tolerate these continued barriers to voting. This weekend, we’re rising up for the freedom to vote — and we want you to join us.
On Monday, January 17, and all throughout this weekend, communities across the country will gather to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day and demand that Congress deliver on voting rights now.
This is a direct call to action from Dr. King’s family, including Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, and Yolanda Renee King, alongside faith leaders, civil rights leaders, and movement organizers at the national, state, tribal, and local levels.
Our Jewish communities are proud to be right there with them. That’s why we made you this special “Jews for the Freedom to Vote” poster — so you can show your support loud and proud.
After you download your poster, make sure to bring it with you this weekend, whether you’re marching in the streets, joining a virtual rally, or displaying it in your window or on social media. Then, send us a photo of it — email [email protected] or tag us on Twitter @jewishaction!
This is a national moment and movement. Thousands of us will be marching in the streets or taking action from home because we know that there’s no time to lose and nothing will change if we are silent.
We’ll be honest: time is running out. Republican lawmakers across the country are doing everything they can to sabotage our elections and place barriers in front of voters. They've passed 34 anti-voter laws in 19 states in 2021 alone.
This MLK Day, our message is clear: No celebration without legislation. We won’t accept empty promises or platitudes. We are calling on our elected leaders to honor Dr. King’s legacy by restoring, protecting, and expanding the right to vote.
Find a “Deliver for Voting Rights” event near you.
The choice in front of every senator is simple: Do you support the freedom to vote?
Our senators can come down on the side of the people — or they can come down on the side of the anti-voter laws silencing the voices of millions of voters across the country. Failure to deliver voting rights legislation now will put senators on the wrong side of history.
That is their legacy. Today, this weekend, and every day after, we’ll make them answer our call — because our legacy as Jews is fighting for the freedom to vote.
Thank you for being part of this movement,
The Bend the Arc team
