Rallies for Voting Rights Lead to Arrests
On October 5 and 19, the League continued our No More Excuses: Voting Rights Now campaign to demand that President Biden use his full power to promote federal voting rights legislation.
Both incidents led to the arrest of multiple coalition members, public figures, faith leaders, and community activists, including LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase Solomón, actress Alyssa Milano, People For the American Way’s Ben Jealous, and Declaration For American Democracy’s Jana Morgan.
LWV and partners will continue to advocate for the freedom to vote in actions on November 3, 10, and 17.
Senate Fails to Move Forward on Freedom to Vote Act, Introduces John Lewis VRAA
In a 51 – 49 vote, the US Senate failed to move forward on the Freedom to Vote Act. In response, LWVUS CEO Virginia Kase Solomón stated, “This legislation will provide equal access to voting for all Americans, stop partisan gerrymandering, and limit the influence of dark money so that billionaires can’t buy elections. We need federal legislation to protect voting rights before the next election cycle.”
Meanwhile, the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) was introduced in the Senate. This bill would fully restore the Voting Rights Act and put an end to discriminatory voting policies.
Tell your senators to support the John Lewis VRAA, which is anticipated to receive a Senate vote within the next month.
(Congress)women Power Democracy
LWV hosted a panel discussion among four women in Congress to discuss the challenges facing US democracy. Representatives from all parties were invited to participate.
Panelists included:
- Congresswoman Terri Sewell;
- Congresswoman Jackie Speier;
- Congresswoman Lauren Underwood; and
- Congresswoman Nikema Williams.
Watch the discussion, which covered redistricting, mis- and disinformation, voting rights legislation, and more.