Friend, as we all navigate the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic together, I wanted you to know that we are sending our best wishes for your safety. Although we’re all in diverse circumstances and dispersed around the nation, we’re all united as part of the caring Common Cause community.
I also wanted to let you know that while most staff and volunteers are working from home or online, our teleworking network is extraordinarily active -- and, for good reason.
Let me explain. You see, the COVID-19 pandemic has made our work for reforms like vote-by-mail all the more urgent.
We believe anyone who wants to cast their ballot by mail should be allowed to -- and we’ll also need to expand other reforms, like online registration and early voting, so that every eligible voter can be heard without risking their health.
Vote-by-mail is an idea we’ve long supported, and we’ve helped expand it in multiple states, dramatically increasing turnout in places like Oregon, Washington, and Colorado. Now, it's more than a good idea -- it's one of many reforms we'll need to protect our democracy during this pandemic.
That’s why, over the past month, thousands of Common Cause members have called their lawmakers, demanding that Congress provide the necessary funding -- $4 billion -- for states to invest in their election systems before November.
It’s absolutely imperative that we keep the pressure on to make sure Congress bails out voters, not corporate CEOs -- and to ensure that money is spent properly so all voters can be heard, including voters who'd be disenfranchised by a mail-only system without other options.
Unfortunately, the most recent stimulus bill only included one-tenth of what's needed. Voters shouldn’t have to settle for partial funding. Democracy deserves a full -- not half -- loaf. We need your help to send a loud and clear message to Congress: In the next round of funding, you must finish the job and fully fund the 2020 election.
HOWEVER… I must also be quite frank. I’m concerned that this pandemic creates a financial uncertainty for the work we simply must take on, because we rely on supporters like you to keep this work and momentum going forward. I hope you will help, if you’re able to at this time of uncertainty, to do what you can to support our mobilization for vote-by-mail and other needed reforms >>
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In light of the pandemic, and given the dangerous tactics of the voter suppression crowd, we know this fight for democracy is well worth the battle. You see, the good news is that states that have set up robust vote-by-mail can move forward with minimal issues. For the states that haven’t -- and now will need to quickly change their plans for in-person voting -- we must take action.
But this isn’t so simple as saying “universal vote-by-mail” and being done with it -- because as with any change to our elections, it takes diligence to make sure voters aren’t disenfranchised.
As I write, our voting experts are working -- from their homes, kitchen tables and bedrooms, by telephone and email -- with local officials to make sure they design vote-by-mail opportunities in the right ways.
Here are the questions for which we’re demanding answers and providing guidance: How do we reach people who’ve recently moved, or students, or others without permanent housing? Is postage prepaid for voters who can’t afford it -- particularly in these tough economic times? What’s the plan to make sure Native voters, voters with disabilities, or voters with limited English proficiency can still be heard?
Our advocates are using the relationships they already have with local election officials -- and the expertise we’ve built over years -- to help ensure every voter is able to participate equitably.
Common Cause has decades of experience with protecting voters under difficult circumstances -- natural disasters, computer failures, and everything in between.
So, while we’ve never seen anything like this pandemic, I’m confident we’ll be able to find the best solutions to protect public health and maintain voter access.
This means establishing or expanding vote-by-mail (including expanded absentee voting) in every state where it’s viable for the November elections. And everywhere else, we’ll do everything possible to expand participation -- early voting, online registration, and additional voting accommodations.
The truth is, Common Cause’s work to protect voters in 2020 has grown more necessary in the past few weeks. That’s why we’re counting on you, if you’re able, to step up with the resources to make it possible. I hope you will do what you can to help today.
Please be safe. And thank you for being part of the Common Cause community at this difficult time.
Karen Hobert Flynn, President
and the team at Common Cause
P.S. We've moved our special members-only town hall to Sunday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. Eastern -- join us as Common Cause experts share how we are fighting for democracy in the time of coronavirus, and how you can help make a difference.
We’ll focus on the different options for mail-in voting to learn from leaders who’ve implemented these reforms and the activists fighting to expand them. Space is limited, so please RSVP to reserve your spot today >>
