A New Programmatic Focus and Executive Team
In response to the continued attacks on voting rights and our American democracy, LWVUS announced the launch of “Women Power Democracy” (WPD).
WPD is a four-pronged program dedicated to building trust in our elections, growing our electorate with equity, creating fair voter access, and ensuring community districting truly reflects our population. Together, these strategies will advance our vision for a stronger, more representative American democracy.
The League also announced its new Executive Team, a diverse and experienced group of women who will guide LWV into its second century. Watch our social media accounts for posts highlighting each individual member over the next few weeks.
LWVUS CEO Arrested While Advocating for Voters
LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase Solomón was arrested alongside advocates like Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and other Black leaders and allies on Thursday, July 29, while protesting in support of voting rights. She and others participating in civil disobedience were taken in for “crowding or obstructing” the front of the Hart Senate Office Building. The “Speak Out” was organized by the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the Black Women’s Roundtable.
“We do not want to look back on this moment and wish that we had done more,” Kase Solomón stated. “Now is the time to act. Now is the time to pass the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.” Watch the Speak Out and arrest.
Supreme Court Decisions Highlight the Need for the For the People Act
July saw multiple disappointing decisions from the US Supreme Court, including their failure to protect voting rights in Brnovich v. Democratic National Committee and a narrow win for wealthy special interests in Prosperity Foundation v. Bonta.
These decisions strengthen our need to pass the For the People Act before the House’s August recess. This bill would both enact pro-voter reforms and decrease dark money in elections, creating greater ethics and transparency. Urge your senators to support it today!
Texas and Georgia Become Ground Zero in the Fight for Voting Rights
Texas became the center of national discussion when a significant portion of their House members fled to DC in an attempt to break the quorum required to pass new voting restrictions. While in the nation’s capital, they have focused on promoting the For the People Act.
The Texas legislature moved forward despite this, approving the controversial bill. However, the bill cannot be passed into law until the House reconvenes.
Georgia also received attention in light of sweeping anti-voter legislation. LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase Solomón spoke to ABC News about the fight for voting rights, saying “we’ll continue to fight this good fight because we know every person should be able to have a voice and their vote in this country.”