We’ve said it time and again, John: There is an easy mechanism to strengthen our democracy, and it’s to increase the number of people who actually participate in our democracy. 

Yet across our country, a small handful of politicians have enacted suppressive mechanisms that prevent people from exercising their democratic rights. Voter roll purges. Gerrymandering. ID laws. And let’s not forget what a disgrace it is that in the so-called “freest nation on earth,” our voters have to wait in line for hours upon hours to cast their ballot. 

Right now, Congress is considering legislation that will strengthen participation in democracy and protect voting rights across the U.S.: The For the People Act. 

Stifled by Mitch McConnell in the last Congress, House Democrats have once again reintroduced this crucial legislation – and it couldn’t have come at a more urgent time. Primarily Republican state legislators in 28 states have filed 106 bills this year – TRIPLE the number compared to last year at this time – all about making it harder for people to vote. The For the People Act would block these efforts – and expand voter registration, limit voter roll purges, and support independent, nonpartisan redistricting commissions.

But even with the Biden administration and majorities in both the House and Senate, the margin is as narrow as possible, so we need the people to speak out for one another and demand the protection of voting rights. So today, we’re asking you to sign our petition urging Congress to pass the For the People Act and strengthen our democracy. For one of the most important bills of this Congress, we’ve set our biggest goal yet: 5,000 signatures before 11:59 p.m. TONIGHT, so please add your name now. 

What we experienced in 2020 – witnessing just how far some politicians would go to suppress the right to vote – was a threat to democracy. There are many steps we need to undertake to strengthen our democracy, and the For the People Act is a no-brainer first step. We hope we can count on your signature today. 

Thank you,

Civic Action