Hi Friend, 

In order for us to truly be a democracy, all voters need to have open and
clear access to the polls and legislative process. But this isn’t always
the case for young people.  Although they continue to step up at the state
and local levels, getting organized, and taking action in order to secure
crucial democratic victories, they’re often left disempowered to make
their voices heard at the polls.[ [link removed] ][IMG]

Unnecessary obstacles prevent young people from exercising their
constitutional right to vote, leaving millions of young potential voters
to be overlooked by the system of voter registration and access. If
Congress does not take action, the political system will continue to
ignore their voices, disproportionately impacting young people of color.
We’re working with our partners to increase access to the ballot because
our democracy only works when all feel empowered to exercise their right
to vote.

[ [link removed] ]Demand Congress ensure young people have more access to vote.

Young voters are not only passionate about progressive ideas and policies
but they’re also the largest eligible voting population, which intimidates
Republicans. In more than a dozen states, Republicans tried to limit the
kinds of student IDs that can be used at the polls, restricted the number
of polling locations on or near college campuses, or gerrymandered
political boundaries that divide campuses and dilute the power of student
voters.(1)

To combat their efforts, it is important to prioritize automatic voter
registration, pre-registration, longer early voting periods, same-day
voter registration, accessible voting locations, and vote-by-mail.
Removing barriers to voter registration and access to the ballot is
strongly linked to higher turnout, and we need that from younger
generations who are often less likely to vote. Congress has the power to
remove these barriers, and we need to keep the pressure on them to ensure
that happens.

[ [link removed] ]Sign the petition: call on Congress to ensure young people have access
to vote.

In solidarity,

Diego, along with Analeeza, Caitlin, Brenna, Deepthi, Eddie, Gabby,
Lindsay, Mai, Mary, Molly, Raquel, and Scottie (the Courage team)

Footnote: 
1.
[ [link removed] ][link removed]



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Courage Campaign is an online organizing network that empowers more than 1.4 million grassroots and netroots activists to push for progressive change and full equality in California and across the country.

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