Today is one year after one of the darkest days in our democracy’s history. A day that will live in all of our minds as a reminder of just how fragile our democracy is. While we support all of those who have a traumatic response to the events of January 6, 2021, we want to use today rather as a call to action.

We face a crossroads in our country. We can either continue down the same path filled with divisiveness, disinformation, and false rhetoric surrounding our elections or we can take up the mantle and reinforce our voting rights and protections for all to participate in our democracy responsibly, ethically, and freely.

As we speak, there is an ongoing effort by Republican held state legislatures to limit the right to vote, in order to tip the scales in their favor. The recently flipped Virginia House of Delegates have introduced a multitude of bills rolling back all of the progress that was made in expanding voting rights for all residents of their commonwealth. We know that we have to protect these expansions if we want a government that truly reflects the will of the people. 

As we reflect on the events of January 6, the Senate currently is facing this decision. We implore the members of the US Senate to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, abolish the Jim Crow Era Filibuster, and ensure free and fair elections not influenced by corruption and wealth. 

In another time wrought with divisiveness and political turmoil, President Abraham Lincoln declared that the American Federal Government is “of the people, by the people, for the people.” The Young Democrats still believe this to be true but note that we must do all that we can to defend our democracy and we are calling on the members of the Senate to do just that. We cannot rest until the right to vote is protected for everyone in the United States of America, otherwise we fall into fascism. 

The Young Democrats of America are committed to protecting voting rights and will continue to fight against any other attempts to end our democracy.