Some states are postponing their elections, John, but even worse, some states are still holding their elections without giving Americans a chance to vote at home.

The public health risks from gathering in large numbers are real and volunteer poll workers, who are typically in the highest risk age group for getting the virus, should not be expected to spend hours on end helping neighbors vote. 

We also can’t put democracy on hold.

We must move immediately to establish automatic vote-by-mail procedures nationwide so elections can go forward safely with minimal risk to the general public.

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Ron Wyden are leading the way with the Natural Disaster and Emergency Ballot Act of 2020. It will guarantee every voter a secure mail-in paper ballot and help states cover of the cost of transitioning to a Vote at Home system, but we need to help build the grassroots pressure calling on Congress to act.

Join the fight by adding your name today and demand Congress immediately pass this bill guaranteeing every voter a mail-in-ballot >>

It’s more clear now than ever how crucial a functioning government is for our collective health and safety. That’s why we have to act quickly to make sure everyone is able to exercise their right to vote safely and securely.

But even without the pandemic, allowing all voters to Vote at Home is one of the most critical reforms needed to end voter suppression tactics like not enough voting machines at polling places, which disproportionately impacts people of color and college students who tend to vote for Democrats.

That's one of the reasons why, in states that have Vote At Home, significantly more Americans vote. Voter turnout was 10 percentage points higher, in the 2016 general election, in states that have it vs. states that don't. Considering that Donald Trump won 10 states by less than 10%, including the pivotal states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, it’s not hard to imagine how different the world might be today if Vote At Home had already been implemented nationwide.

Need another reason? Here's two: It also provides for a paper record of every vote and still costs less. Orange County California expects to save $29 million in 2020 now that they’ve moved to allow Americans to Vote at Home. The Pew Research Center report on the cost of Colorado’s Vote At Home system in 2014 showed a $6 savings per voter per election. That's right, you can't vote by mail without creating a verifiable paper trail and it even saves money to do it.

Our progressive values are on the ballot in this year’s election, and even during a worldwide pandemic, we can’t afford to put democracy on hold.

Sign our petition to tell Congress to pass nationwide Vote at Home right now >>

Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep fighting for change.

-Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Chair
Democracy for America