Hello,

On this day in 1920, the 19th Amendment, which granted women the constitutional right to vote, was ratified.

I have immense gratitude for the generations of women who paved the way to expand voting rights through years of organizing — and as the first woman to represent Illinois’ 13th district, I’m proud to be an example for the next generation of young women and encourage them to become politically involved.

Even though we’ve come a long way over the last 103 years, I would be remiss if I didn’t say that our work to achieve true democracy is far from over.

Despite the passage of the 19th Amendment, people of color, including women of color, are still denied the right to vote today through coordinated voter suppression tactics.

GOP-led state legislatures have targeted Black and brown folks across our country by passing restrictive voting laws that limit their ability to vote by mail, cutting early voting hours, purging voters from the voter rolls, and even criminalizing organizers who hand out water to voters waiting in line in some states.

I am committed to making progress in our fight to expand and protect the fundamental right to vote for every American, but I need to know your standing with me in this fight.

That’s why I’m asking today: Will you add your name to show your support for my efforts to fight for equal voting rights in Washington?

Thank you for standing with me.

— Nikki