John,
As I reflect on the past week, I realize how difficult it is to be optimistic when our rights, our very survival, are under attack from the same people and institutions that are meant to uphold justice and the law.
And after hearing from hundreds of Common Cause members, I know there are many of you who feel that way too -- and want to know what to do next.
My personal hope is that today can stand as a reminder that our nation – imperfect at its founding and still striving towards justice today – is one where We The People, not a king, decide what’s right for our families and our community.
The Supreme Court took a step in the other direction this week. But what has always mattered, and will always matter most, is how you and I respond.
Because remember – what decides this election won’t be a candidate, a court, or a party insider – it’ll be regular people like us, who cast their ballots securely and fairly to be counted by honest, hard-working public servants. That’s what you and I have always fought for.
That’s not to say the road ahead will be easy – we are up against forces who want to take our country backwards – who are eager to trample over democracy to lock in their vision of permanent minority rule.
But we’ve known that all year – and nothing that’s happened in the past week changes that fundamental truth. This will be a historic – and hard-fought – election, where we’ll need to fight for every voter to have a voice, and every vote that’s cast to be counted.
So let’s focus on what we can control: make sure you are registered and that everyone you know is too, if eligible. And if you can, volunteer your time and money with Common Cause or another organization working to protect voters this year.
What makes me most hopeful for the future of this country remains people like you – who know what we are up against and persevere, ready to leave it all on the field to make sure we leave a better country for the next generation.
That’s what powered record turnout in 2020 and 2022, our largest Election Protection effort ever, and a resounding response that We The People will not allow our democracy to be stolen away from us.
This year, we have the opportunity – and a sacred obligation – to do the same.
Today is a great reminder for me of why we are here and what our purpose is in this moment – to hold power accountable, to fight, and to win, with and for those who will be most impacted.
This Independence Day, let’s double down on our commitment to a radically reimagined democracy that works for all of us.
Remember, joy is a form of resistance. I hope you take the time to do something that brings you joy and happiness this 4th of July weekend.
In Common Cause,
Virginia Kase Solomón, President and CEO
and the team at Common Cause
