It’s entirely possible that the coronavirus will make holding an in-person election impossible in November 2020.

Does that mean we have to postpone or even cancel the 2020 election?

No. (Breathe a sigh of relief.) We can prevent that scenario.

But we must act now.

The financial relief package just proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives contains robust provisions to ensure that all states and territories can conduct vote-by-mail elections this fall. The requirements include:

• Providing $4 billion in federal funding for states and territories to carry out vote-by-mail elections.

• Allowing 15 days for early voting.

• Permitting absentee voting for any reason.

• Mailing a ballot to every registered voter in case of emergency.

By contrast, Mitch McConnell’s proposal in the Senate would give a paltry amount to the states and do nothing to advance voting by mail.

So I need you to take one minute and call your senators right now.

It’s super-easy:

1. Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.

2. Follow the prompts to be connected to the office of one of your two senators. (You don’t even need to know your senator’s name, just your state.)

3. Leave this message: “The Senate must keep strong vote-by-mail provisions, with billions in funding, in the financial relief package.”

Repeat steps 1 through 3 for your other senator.

Thanks for taking action.

Stay safe.

- Robert Weissman, President of Public Citizen

P.S. This message is part of our ongoing outreach to help you stay informed and involved as our nation and the world grapple with the coronavirus emergency. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain as this crisis intensifies. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Thank you.
 
 
Public Citizen | 1600 20th Street NW | Washington DC 20009 | Unsubscribe