CWA is part of a democracy coalition which is demanding $4 billion in the next stimulus package to ensure safe and fair elections throughout the duration of the 2020 election cycle.
We are asking Locals to invite members to attend a virtual town hall on Monday April 20th as well as take action on social media that day.
1) The “Protect Our Vote: Defending Democracy During COVID 19” kick-off event is on Monday, April 20th at 8pm Eastern. Confirmed speakers include Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Warren (D-MA), as well as Secretary of State Kim Wyman (R-WA), with many others likely to join (stay tuned!).
2) We have a social media toolkit that we ask that you share on your Local’s social media pages and share with your members and activists.
Specifically, we are demanding:
· $4 billion to help states protect American voters in every step of the election cycle. This would support many state's efforts to expand vote-by-mail, online voter registration, and maintain safe, clean in-person voting locations.
· Eliminate all funding match requirements for states to receive election assistance.
· Require all states to:
· Enact no-excuse vote-by-mail as an option for every voter.
· Expand early voting to prevent lines and crowded polling places.
· Expand registration options such as online registration and same-day registration.
· Take steps to protect the health and safety of poll workers and voters.
These are policies that are already in place in many states around the country. Election officials need resources to begin enacting these processes now to ensure open and fair elections for the remainder of the election cycle.
What is the problem?
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of American life, including how we vote. While the CARES Act of 2020 has provided some relief from the immediate effects of this public health and economic crisis, it does not provide enough funding needed to ensure safe and fair elections throughout the duration of the 2020 election cycle. The third coronavirus relief package (CARES Act) allocated only $400 million to states for election assistance despite the push from Democrats for an allocation of $4 billion.
Without adequate funding for states to carry out safe and fair elections, voters will be faced with the option of either risking their health or voting. In-person polling stations will be packed, threatening the safety and health of all in attendance. Wait times will be hours long, forcing voters to stand in close proximity for extensive amounts of time. Without the proper precautions, millions of Americans who are simply exercising their fundamental right to vote could be exposed to this deadly virus. |
What is the solution?
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, it is imperative that we take the necessary steps to make safe voting accessible to every person eligible to cast a ballot. On April 20th, we’re mobilizing a Day of Action to demand that the next COVID-19 relief package must include:
- $4 billion to help states protect American voters in every step of the election cycle. This would support many state's efforts to expand vote-by-mail, online voter registration, and maintain safe, clean in-person voting locations.
- Eliminate all funding match requirements for states to receive election assistance.
- Require all states to:
- Enact no-excuse vote-by-mail as an option for every voter.
- Expand early voting to prevent lines and crowded polling places.
- Expand registration options such as online registration and same-day registration.
- Take steps to protect the health and safety of poll workers and voters.
These are policies that are already in place in many states around the country. Election officials need resources to begin enacting these processes now to ensure open and fair for the remainder of the election cycle.
Americans deserve the guarantee of safe elections, even – and especially – during a time of national crisis. We need legislation that uplifts our collective efforts to ensure elections in the United States are safe and accessible to all Americans.
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What can I do to help?
Make your voice heard and ensure that our elections are accessible for even the most vulnerable by:
- Participating in our Day of Action on April 20th! Write a letter to your Member of Congress to demand more funding and fairer provisions for a safe and fair electoral process.
- Spreading the word on social media! Need some examples for inspiration? Use our sample messaging below.
Take Action: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/protectourvote/ |
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