-- here’s a troubling thought. One way to interpret President Trump’s recent actions is that he is absolutely convinced his best path to re-election is through suppressing millions of voters.
Just look at his track record:
He’s spreading easily-debunked lies about reforms like vote-by-mail that voters are depending on even more in this pandemic. [1] And, he’s going all-out to bankrupt the USPS, which is essential to securely deliver those mail-in ballots. [2]
This is not some idle threat. His re-election campaign has doubled its budget for anti-voting lawsuits to a staggering $20 million [3] -- which will be used to oppose efforts to make voting safe and accessible this November.
Here’s why that’s a BIG AND COMPLEX problem. You see, different states are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in different ways, including how they run elections.
Some states (red, blue, and purple) put protecting voters’ rights front and center -- by expanding vote-by-mail options, offering pre-paid postage on absentee ballots, and expanding early voting hours to limit crowds.
But sadly, politicians in other states are cynically exploiting this
pandemic to suppress votes -- or absolutely refusing to take the
necessary steps to ensure that everyone’s vote gets counted this
November.
Trump’s campaign is spending millions on lawyers whose mission is to block reform efforts in those states trying to do the right thing -- and defend those states hellbent on suppressing voters despite legal challenges from civil rights and voting rights groups.
That means many of the voting rights policies we’re fighting for right now could face a barrage of lawsuits -- even frivolous ones.
So, as we determine our budget between now and November, we must factor in the costs of defending vote-by-mail and other reforms in court. This puts a major strain on our resources.
, this is exactly why it’ll take all of us to stop Trump’s all-out assault on our voting rights. Although we can’t match their $20 million, we do have 1.2 million caring and committed Common Cause supporters like you nationwide who are willing to do what it takes.
One generous Common Cause supporter, who shares your belief that we must take action now to protect our elections, has agreed to match all donations made this month, up to $100,000.
That’s right. Your Protect The Vote 2020 contribution will now make DOUBLE the impact if you give before the end of the day. Can you chip in $3 before midnight tonight so we can count your participation in the June 30th total?
Despite Trump’s efforts to politicize access to the polls, voting isn’t -- and must not become -- a partisan issue. That’s why our mission is to ensure every eligible voter can cast their ballot this November -- whether they’re a Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
This
means getting Congress to fully fund reforms like vote-by-mail and
early voting, using our relationships with election officials to
implement them equitably, and educating voters about their rights.
Plus,
given the pandemic, we’re faced with carrying out much of our mission
from home -- innovating new ways to connect with each other by phone or
online to take action safely. It won’t be easy, and it sure adds substantially to the cost of organizing.
The truth is, Common Cause’s work to protect voters in 2020 has grown more necessary in the past few weeks. This is your last chance to take advantage of this special matching gift opportunity -- I hope you will chip in if you are able to.
That's because, in reality, you’ll be making twice the impact for voters this November. BUT… you must give before the end of the day >>
I know that many of our members face difficult financial circumstances right now -- so please only give if you are able to. But if you can, your support will immediately make a difference for voters, and for our democracy.
We’ve fought for half a century to protect every American’s right to vote -- and that fight has taken on new importance now.
I’m glad we can continue to count on your support. Thanks for doing your part,
Sylvia Albert, Director of Voting and Elections
and the team at Common Cause
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/article/mail-in-voting-explained.html
[2] https://www.vox.com/2020/4/12/21218151/usps-bailout-privatization-amazon-trump
[3] https://www.politico.com/news/2020/05/07/trump-democrats-voting-laws-243517
