Friend, I've spent decades as a public servant – so please believe me when I say that this is a particularly frightening moment for our democracy.

This year alone, the GOP has introduced over 425 state-level bills across the country that make it more difficult for Americans to vote. From unnecessary voter ID laws to a ban preventing volunteers from handing out water in voter lines, these laws are anti-democratic and disproportionately impact communities of color.

That's why what just happened in the Senate is so concerning: Republicans blocked The Freedom to Vote Act, which can strengthen voting rights and protect our democracy.

We're at a crossroads, friend: Right now, we can either do everything we can (including abolishing the filibuster!) to work toward the goals civil rights leaders set out to achieve decades ago – or we can let a minority of ultraconservative Senate Republicans damage our democracy beyond repair.

I know which path I'll choose, friend, and I need you to join me. I'm counting on 10,000 concerned Democrats to immediately sign my petition to protect voting rights before midnight, and I'm missing your name.

There's too much on the line here to sit this one out, so please: Friend, will you add your name to protect voting rights? Every signature will help us overcome the GOP's attacks on our democracy.

Thanks for joining this fight with me. 

Congresswoman Val Demings