We're all fighting to stop the spread of COVID-19, and for many of us, that means hard sacrifices -- but it's also shown how important it is to elect officials who will work hard for us and share the truth. But if you'd prefer to take a break in these uncertain times, let us know and we'll pause on sending you House and Senate race updates for a few weeks. Sometimes we all need some space.

Friend --

"Republicans should fight very hard when it comes to state wide mail-in voting. Democrats are clamoring for it. Tremendous potential for voter fraud, and for whatever reason, doesn't work out well for Republicans."

That was what President Trump said last month when Americans saw alarming pictures of long lines at Wisconsin polling places. Voters were forced to choose between their health and their vote -- and like many of you, I was deeply troubled.

Forcing in-person voting puts voters and their families at higher risk of spreading and contracting COVID-19. There's an obvious solution, and one that's already working in Washington state: voting by mail.

Access to the ballot box shouldn't be a partisan issue -- and here in Washington state, it isn't. We know that for every election, vote-by-mail is safe, easy, and democratic. And if it works here, it can work anywhere. In fact, more than 50 million people across the country already vote by mail.

If you agree, join me in calling for nationwide vote-by-mail this fall: Add your name right now.

Decisions about voters' ability to access the ballot box shouldn't be a question of whether it benefits Democrats or Republicans -- it should be about whether it benefits our democracy as a whole.

In Washington state and other places, we know that making it to your polling place on Election Day is already difficult for so many people juggling family obligations, jobs, and full schedules. But during a pandemic, no one should have to choose between their health or their vote -- and vote-by-mail is the solution.

In Washington state, you don't see lines out the door at a polling station. Your walk to vote is as long as it takes to walk to your mailbox -- and that means more people are able to make their voices heard. That's what democracy is all about.

If you believe, like I do, that vote-by-mail can work everywhere and should be a priority in this November's election, add your name right now to support a safer, more accessible democracy for all.

Thank you,

Maria Cantwell