“Do you have time to make good trouble?”
Early in this congressional session, the House of Representatives passed two key Voting Rights Bills — The For the People Act (H.R. 1) and The John Lewis Voting Rights Act (H.R. 4).
With attention now on the Senate, this week the legislative body will take up a voting rights bill that combines key elements of both House bills and is being called The Freedom To Vote Act. The Senate version was introduced on September 14, and it is seen as a compromise bill.
Included in this bill are reforms such as:
- Requires same day voter registration at all voting locations by 2024
- Ensures two-week early voting for all federal elections
- Restores the right to vote for formerly incarcerated people
- Eliminates extreme gerrymandering
The Jewish Center for Justice is mobilizing Jewish communities and pro-democracy people of faith in support of The Freedom to Vote Act, which would make it easier to vote in federal elections, end congressional gerrymandering, overhaul federal campaign finance laws, increase safeguards against foreign interference, strengthen government ethics rules, and more.
As a Jewish community, we have long supported the bills and measures aimed at expanding (and not limiting) the right to vote, from our ancient texts which called for the need for every voice to be heard and counted in the community to our modern belief that societies in which all are granted the unobstructed right to vote are safer for all.
Take action by contacting your Senators to urge them to support this important piece of legislation.
U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121.
Here are a few articles which provide important background information about The Freedom To Vote Act and what events led to the creation of this bill.
Sample call script:
Hello my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am calling to urge Senator [NAME] to support The Freedom to Vote Act. As a member of the Jewish community, I believe that the ability to vote is one of the most essential rights of any thriving democracy. The Freedom To Vote Act would protect the right to vote, regulate federal elections, and defend the democratic process, transforming our democracy to make it fairer, stronger, and more inclusive. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Check back to the JCJ website and social media for updates on the progress of The Freedom To Vote Act.