September 25, 2020

Dear John,

Election season is upon us and it will soon be time to mail in your ballot, head to your designated polling place, and exercise your right to vote.

The right to vote is at the core of our democracy. It is the way we can make sure our government works on behalf of the people it was created to serve. And this week, I joined my colleague and fellow former NFL player Congressman Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) for a bipartisan interview with the NFL Network on the importance of voting on National Voter Registration Day. You can register to vote here: votetexas.gov.

Watch my interview with Rep. Gonzalez here.

As a voting rights attorney, I know there are too many barriers to ordinary people having their voices heard in our elections. But our nation does not work unless every citizen can voice their opinions at the ballot box. Whether it is universal vote by mail or same day registration -- voting should be simple, easy and accessible for all citizens.

That’s why last year, I voted to pass the Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore the Voting Rights Act and end voter suppression and discrimination. I also worked to pass the For The People Act, which will expand access to voting and remove barriers to both registering to vote and voting itself.

Americans from all kinds of backgrounds have worked relentlessly over decades to ensure that every person could exercise their right to vote, because they understood how critical it was to our democracy. I am reminded of the words of my friend, colleague and hero Congressman John Lewis who said, “the right to vote is precious, almost sacred.” Voting is our duty as citizens and we must not forget how important it is. As we approach this unusual election season, I want you to remember that your voice is important, so take advantage of this right and exercise it.

If you would like to register to vote by mail or find your polling place, you can go to https://www.votetexas.gov. Our democracy works best when everyone participates. If you have been experiencing issues with your mail service, please contact my Richardson office at (972) 972-7949.

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress