Hi John,

Today marks 60 years since the landmark Voting Rights Act was signed, giving long-overdue voter protections to Black Americans.
 
The 1960s may be bygone, but the Jim Crow-era voting bans aimed to disenfranchise communities of color remain prevalent in our nation, albeit under a different guise. 

From manipulating our voting maps to dilute the voting power of communities of color, rolling back mail-in and early voting options often utilized by many voters of color, and weaponizing incarceration status to permanently deny voting rights based on criminal convictions — Americans are still facing unethical voter suppression tactics that aim to silence voices at the ballot box and beyond.

I’ve said it once, and I’ll continue to say it again and again: Voting is a fundamental right of citizenship, and every American should have an equal voice in our democracy. 

I’m in Congress fighting for a country where democracy can flourish and where the fundamental right to vote is protected for all Americans — but the VRA is facing new attacks under the Trump administration. John, democracy is nothing without teamwork. Can I count on you to pitch in $10 or anything you can today to defend my seat and keep progress at the forefront in Congress?

I’ve witnessed North Carolina evolve from a segregated state to a state embracing its diverse communities. But, I know progress takes time — and I am committing all of mine to ensure everyone has a seat, and a say, at the table.

On this anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, we must remember that our elections should reflect the will of the people, not the will of politicians. The stakes have never been higher, John.

In solidarity,

Valerie