Jack:

Today marks 55 years since the passage of the Voting Rights Act, which included critical federal oversight of election law in states with a history of racial discrimination and voter suppression. 

And it’s now been seven years since the Supreme Court gutted the legislation—opening the door for states to enact discriminatory laws that make it harder to register, vote, and have votes counted.

With less than three months to go before the most consequential election of our lifetime, we’re seeing the disastrous effects of this decision play out in real-time: Poll closures and voter roll purges. Strict voter ID laws. Disenfranchisement of formerly incarcerated individuals. Attacks on vote-by-mail. And now, from Donald Trump at the national level, we are witnessing efforts to cripple the postal service.

That’s why I’m proud to be teaming up with my friend Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight PAC to elect pro-voting rights, progressive leaders. Will you split a donation between Off the Sidelines and Fair Fight PAC today?

This anniversary takes on even greater meaning as we continue to mourn the loss of Congressman John Lewis. John was the conscience of our Congress; a larger-than-life figure who bore witness to—and led—some of the most defining moments of the American civil rights movement. He spoke at the March on Washington. He was beaten and bled on the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge from Selma to Montgomery.

His activism was a catalyst for the Voting Rights Act’s passage—he was with President Johnson when it was signed—and he continued to fight tirelessly for equal access to the ballot box throughout his life, including a decades-long fight to protect and strengthen the Voting Rights Act

John once said: “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.” 

We must come together and do everything in our power to elect leaders who will fight for our democracy. With the help of supporters across the country, Off the Sidelines and Fair Fight are doing this critical work.

If you’re with me, split a contribution between Off the Sidelines and Fair Fight PAC today. For far too many people in this country, oppressive and racist laws have put the right to vote out of reach—we must elect leaders who will change that.

Let’s make history together this November.

With gratitude,
Kirsten